CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) – Hundreds of Charlotte Airport workers protested Tuesday over low wages and poor working conditions.
The Service Employees International Union reported the incident ended in multiple arrests.
Video given to QCN by the union shows protestors being apprehended for what they called ‘civil disobedience.’ We’ve reached out to CMPD for more information.
“We’re short-staffed because the pay and benefits are not enough for what we do,” said one of the workers arrested, Shonda Barber, a JetStream trash truck driver who services American Airlines. I’m working in 95-degree water, carrying heavy bags of trash off planes without easy access to water.”
The group called for higher pay, safer conditions, and affordable healthcare for airline and airport service workers, which includes cabin cleaners, baggage handlers, and wheelchair attendants.
“We know that these workers are underpaid, they can’t afford their health benefit, they don’t get paid time off,” said airport worker Niecy Brown. “We’re here to fight to make sure we change that.”
Charlotte’s rally was part of a national protest at major American Airline hubs as employees also did so in Dallas and Phoenix.
