Service workers at Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina have gone on strike as of November 25, 2024, to protest low wages during the busy Thanksgiving travel week. Employees of ABM and Prospect Airport Services, who provide essential services at the airport, initiated the work stoppage after voting to authorize it on Friday.
- Service workers strike for better wages
- Strike authorized by ABM and Prospect employees
- Workers demand respect and end to poverty wages
- Most earn below living wage in Charlotte
- Holiday travel expected to be record-breaking
- Striking workers plan rally and "Strikesgiving" lunch
The strike comes as Charlotte Douglas International Airport expects record-high passenger traffic, with over 1 million travelers projected between last Thursday and the Monday after Thanksgiving. Workers, many of whom earn between $12.50 and $19 an hour, argue that these wages are insufficient to cover living costs in the Charlotte area, where the living wage for a single adult is significantly higher.
Workers have expressed their frustrations, stating they often live paycheck to paycheck and struggle to afford basic needs such as food and housing. Priscilla Hoyle, an ABM cabin cleaner, emphasized the dire situation, stating, “We can’t keep living like this.” The strike is expected to involve several hundred workers, who will also hold rallies and community events to raise awareness of their plight.
ABM and Prospect Airport Services acknowledged the seriousness of the situation but stated they would take measures to minimize disruptions caused by the strike. The union representing the workers highlighted the essential role these employees play in ensuring safe and efficient airport operations, despite many being forced to work multiple jobs to make ends meet.
The strike at Charlotte Douglas International Airport highlights ongoing issues of wage disparity among service workers, particularly during high-traffic travel periods. As the situation unfolds, the demands for fair wages and better working conditions remain at the forefront of the workers’ actions.
