O'Hare Workers Will Strike But Not Until After Thanksgiving

CHICAGO, IL — Workers at O'Hare International Airport will go on strike this month, but the work stoppage will come after the traditional Thanksgiving holiday travel period, much to the relief of many airline passengers.

Leaders of Service Employees International Union Local 1 announced Monday via Twitter and an airport press conference that O'Hare workers will strike Tuesday, Nov. 29. The strike was voted on by about 500 O'Hare workers Thursday, the Chicago Tribune reports. Those hundreds of employees, who mostly work for private contractors, include baggage handlers and cleaning staff, the report stated.

O'Hare workers are fighting to raise pay to $15 an hour and to unionize, the Tribune reports. The walkout is part of a "national day of disruption" in 340 cities, according to Fight for 15, an international workers' movement.

The effect the strike will have on O'Hare and flights is unclear right now, although SEIU Local 1 President Tom Balanoff didn't think the work stoppage would close down the airport.

Last week, union officials said workers planned to picket outside the airport.

Patch will continue to update this story.

More via the Chicago Tribune

O'Hare International Airport (photo via Patch archive)

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