CLT airport workers protest against lack of basic protection

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) – Workers at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport gathered for a rally Tuesday afternoon to protest American Airlines, their employer ABM, and what they called a “lack of basic protections.”

Members of the Service Employees International Union and airport workers described these basic protective measures as easy access to water, cool break rooms and training on how to manage heat illness during hot summer travel periods.

In July, WBTV First Alert meteorologists reported dangerously high heat and humidity, with heat indices well above 100 degrees.

“Cabin cleaners, supervisors, airport managers and access control agents request water several times a day,” Katelyn Medders, a cabin cleaner who works for American Airlines’ ABM service provider, said in a July press release, “but management just responds, ‘There is no water available and we will let you know when we have some.'”

This is not the first rally held at the airport: In June, SEIU members led a strike for respect and fair wages ahead of Memorial Day travel, and another group protested for Worldwide Flight Attendant Day of Action.

“We need to make sure American Airlines stands up for us workers,” LaShonda Barber said during the rally.

WBTV has contacted American Airlines for comment.

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