Newark Airport Contractor Settles Dispute With ‘Intimidated’ Workers, Union Says

NEWARK, NJ — The National Labor Relations Board recently announced that PrimeFlight Aviation Services, a Nashville based airline contractor, has agreed to terms of a settlement that includes financial compensation for some Newark Liberty International Airport workers who allegedly faced intimidation and lost wages after they exercised their right to speak out and strike, union leaders say.

According to 32BJ (SEIU), the union that represents the PrimeFlight workers at Newark Airport, one of the workers, Saterrah Sumter, was allegedly fired shortly after a one-day walk-out last November.

• See related article: Newark Airport Workers Plan To Strike, Will Join Others Nationwide

Three other workers, all cabin cleaners who clean United Airlines planes, were suspended after they reported to work following the strike organized by 32BJ, union leaders claim.

“These hardworking Newark Airport workers have rights that should be recognized and respected,” said Kevin Brown, 32BJ Vice President and NJ State Director. “It’s unconscionable what they endured—one cabin cleaner was fired and several others were suspended after exercising their first amendment right to assemble. This settlement will not totally right this wrong but it does provide financial compensation for the workers. And it sends a clear message to employers that they could pay a price if they deny workers’ their rights.”

All of the workers will receive back pay plus interest, including Sumter, whose payment will total nearly $18,000, 32BJ organizers stated.

• See related article: United Airlines Announces Record Profit, Workers Protest Low Wages
• See related article: Newark Airport Workers Join Nationwide Strike: PHOTOS

Photo: 32BJ (SEIU)

Send local news tips, photos and press releases to eric.kiefer@patch.com