Union Cancels U.S. Airport Strikes After Brussels Attacks

Labor leaders cancelled a 24-hour strike and protests planned at 10 major U.S. airports Tuesday night in the wake of tragic terror attacks that shook an airport and a major metro station in Brussels, Belgium.

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According to union representatives with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), more than 2,000 workers at the 10 airports nationwide – including Newark, JFK and LaGuardia – were set to strike on Tuesday night in protest of low wages and alleged retaliation for union organizing.

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But union officials said their workers chose to postpone the walkout “out of respect for the innocent victims” of the Brussels attacks, The Washington Post reported.

SEIU 32BJ, which represents some workers at Newark Airport, stated that instead of the strike, its members planned to meet at a series of candle light vigils and memorial gatherings.

Authorities cancelled all flights between Brussels and JFK/Newark International Airports on Tuesday in the aftermath of the attacks.

• See related article: Brussels To Newark, JFK Flights Cancelled Tuesday After Tragic Attacks

File photo: Newark Liberty International Airport