Newark Airport Workers: ‘We’re Treated Like 2nd Class Citizens'

NEWARK, NJ — More than 100 airline catering workers and supporters marched for 12 hours outside of Newark Airport earlier this week as part of a rally for higher wages and union recognition. The rally was held in concert with airline catering workers in six other cities on the same day that United Airlines held its annual shareholder meeting in Chicago.

Unite Here, which represents 1,900 concessions and airline catering workers at Newark Airport, organized Wednesday's event in Essex County. Workers rallied at Terminal C at Newark Airport from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m., and again from 3 to 5 p.m.

• See related article: Catering Workers To Rally Against United Airlines In Newark

According to a previous statement from Unite Here:

"United Airlines catering workers, who are 90% immigrants and people of color, represent the most diverse department at United Airlines in Newark. They are also United's only non-managerial frontline workers without a union. Catering workers earn lower wages than other United employees, face harsher work rules and have no protections against unjust firings and suspensions. While United made over $2 billion in profit in 2017, catering workers with decades of experience are living in poverty as the cost of housing in Newark skyrockets."

Organizers continued:

"United Airlines catering workers are tired of being treated like second class citizens within the company. In January, workers in Newark and across the country decided overwhelmingly to file for a union election. United has attempted to intimidate workers to stop them from organizing. Workers have responded by going public with the truth about the conditions they face in the kitchens of one of the largest employers in Newark."

A United Airlines spokesperson provided Patch with the following statement about the union members allegations:

"United Airlines respects our employees' rights to decide whether they want to be represented by a union without pressure, coercion or other misconduct. United Airlines is committed to treating all of our employees fairly, providing them with competitive compensation and industry-leading benefits and privileges and creating a safe, supportive work environment, whether or not they are represented by a union. The National Mediation Board is currently investigating potential fraud and misrepresentation by UNITE HERE in its solicitation of union authorization cards from United Catering employees. We believe the union's allegations against United Airlines and its management are baseless and we look forward to hearing the results of the National Mediation Board's investigation."

During Wednesday’s rally, Sheeon Charles, who works in the Newark kitchen, said that there are more people of color and immigrant workers in catering operations than in any other part of United.

“United tells us that we’re important to the company, and we know we are,” Charles said. “But it’s no secret that we don’t earn as much as other United employees, and that we’re treated as second class citizens within the company. Everyone knows that there’s no such thing as separate but equal, but that’s exactly what United claims is a reality among its different employee groups. Why does United act differently towards catering workers?”

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Photo: YouTube / Equality At United