Off The Job And On To The Picket Line For PHL Workers
By Justin Finch, Tim Jimenez
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Hundreds of Philadelphia International Airport workers are picketing this morning as they continue to seek better pay and improved conditions.
Workers from baggage handlers to wheelchair attendants are walking off the job for higher wages, health insurance and paid sick leave.
They have rallied before, most recently in November. The strikers are not unionized, but are instead employed by agencies that are subcontracted by airlines.
The workers say they currently make $7.25 an hour, almost a year after the city voted to approve a $10.88 hourly wage for city workers.
"I'm here today because I'm a mother and a grandmother," says Onitha McKnight I work hard, I pay taxes, and I and my coworkers deserve a decent wage."
Sarina Santos, a baggage handler who helps passengers at check-in, adds it's a struggle:
"$7.25 is not enough money. I have four kids. I have a family."
She and others want to know why airport contractors Prospect Aviation Services and PrimeFlight Airline Services haven't given them raises.
Councilman Kenyatta Johnson says he's not sure why that hasn't happened:
"We have been following up on the issue but we haven't found out any answers as of yet."
Workers also point Mayor Nutter just last year signed off to a $12 hourly wage for city subcontracted workers.
Later in the afternoon, Prospect Aviation Services issued a statement that said in part, "An increase in the base minimum wage for employees pursuant to the mayor's recent executive order in the near future is anticipated."
An airport spokeswoman said the strike was not disrupting any service.
The rally was expected to move to center city later in the day.