Airport Worker Strike Planned Wednesday: Includes Newark, JFK, LaGuardia

The strike is back on.

Travelers passing through eight major U.S. airports Wednesday evening, including Newark Liberty International, may see several protesting workers – including cleaners, security officers and baggage handlers – who reportedly plan to walk off the job.

The protest, originally planned for March 22, was cancelled following terror attacks in Brussels, Belgium.

• See related article: Union Cancels U.S. Airport Strikes After Brussels Attacks

Labor activity is planned for airports including Newark Liberty, JFK, LaGuardia, as well as Seattle, Chicago, Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, Fort Lauderdale, and Washington, D.C., union organizers stated.

Airport officials across the country have said they don’t expect the strike to have a significant impact on travelers or daily airport operations, The Washington Post reported.

According to 32BJ (SEIU), which represents some workers at Newark Airport, workers are attempting to draw attention to alleged “health and safety violations, unfair labor practices and inadequate training.”

Some of the workers' objections involve alleged security risks that the current working conditions might present to travelers.

For example, Newark Airport cabin cleaners employed by United Airlines contractor PrimeFlight Aviation Services allege that they often aren't given enough time to do critical security checks as they clean arriving and departing planes.

In addition, there have been instances where workers on the night shift were expected to conduct checks for bombs, weapons and other dangerous items with no lights on inside the plane, 32BJ representatives allege.

“The heroic work of the airport workers in Brussels highlights the important role airport workers play in keeping passengers and facilities safe,” said Kevin Brown, 32BJ Vice President and NJ State Director. “We need to invest in both physical and human capital in order to better protect the public, workers and our airports.”

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