Southwest bag workers to protest at 16 airports

DENVER - Baggage handlers for Southwest Airlines (LUV) are protesting the company's slide in on-time performance.

Workers plan to do informational picketing and hand out leaflets to passengers Tuesday at 16 airports across the country on Tuesday, including Denver, Dallas, Seattle and Los Angeles/Ontario.

The workers, members of the Transport Workers Union of America's Local 555, are also unhappy with contract negotiations that have dragged on for over three years.

Local president Charles Cerf says the company's current leadership has devalued both customers and workers.

For years, Southwest was the most punctual of big U.S. airlines. It stumbled after trying to squeeze more flights into its schedule but this summer backed off by allowing more time between flights.