CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Service workers at Charlotte Douglas International Airport are preparing to strike during what is expected to be a peak travel week for Thanksgiving, citing concerns over insufficient wages that they deem unacceptable.

On Friday, employees from ABM and Prospect Airport Services voted to authorize the strike, which is planned to commence Monday at 5 a.m.

In an announcement released early Monday, the Service Employees International Union stated that the workers intend to demand a halt to what they term “poverty wages” and also seek greater respect in the workplace during this bustling travel season.

ABM and Prospect Airport Services operate under contracts with American Airlines to provide vital services such as cleaning aircraft interiors, taking out trash, and assisting passengers in wheelchairs.

Workers have expressed their frustrations, highlighting their struggle to meet basic living expenses, such as food and shelter. They share experiences of living paycheck to paycheck and are unable to afford unexpected costs like car repairs while diligently performing jobs essential to keep flights operating smoothly.

“We’re on strike today because this is our final option. This situation is untenable for us,” stated Priscilla Hoyle, an ABM cabin cleaner. “We’re taking this step as our families simply cannot manage under these circumstances.”

Hundreds of workers are anticipated to participate in the walkout, which will extend throughout Monday.

The majority of these employees earn between $12.50 and $19 per hour, significantly below the living wage for a single adult without children in the Charlotte area, according to union representatives.

Officials at Charlotte Douglas International Airport have mentioned that the upcoming holiday season is predicted to be exceptionally busy, with approximately 1.02 million passengers expected to travel through the airport from last Thursday until the Monday following Thanksgiving.

In addition to the work stoppage, striking workers have arranged to hold a rally at 11 a.m. and a “Strikesgiving” lunch at 1 p.m., which aims to replace the Thanksgiving meal that many of these workers cannot afford this week, as stated by union officials.

“Airport service workers are the backbone of holiday travel, ensuring that airports remain safe, clean, and operational,” the union emphasized. “Despite their crucial contributions to the profits of large corporations, numerous airport service employees find themselves juggling two or three jobs to make ends meet.”
In response, ABM indicated that it would implement measures to minimize the impact of any disruptions caused by the protest.

“We recognize and value the effort our team members invest daily to assist our clients and maintain clean and healthy environments,” said a representative from ABM in a statement made last week.
Prospect Airport Services also acknowledged the gravity of the potential strike during the highly trafficked holiday period last week.