June 16, 2015
By LaborPress
Airlines at Philadelphia International Airport have agreed to pay the city’s $12-an-hour “living wage” to the about 2,000 baggage handlers, skycaps, and aircraft cleaners who work for them through subcontractors. The raise was announced June 11 after the City Council refused to approve new leases for them at the airport without a labor-peace deal.
Workers will begin getting the $12 on July 1, an American Airlines spokesperson said, adding that the airlines would also not oppose union-organizing efforts. “Finally, at least they will have their legal rights respected and they will actually make at least $12 an hour,” said Gabriel Morgan of the Service Employee International Union, which has been trying to organize the workers. “We think that is a great first step.” Read more
