News

Airport workers at Sky Harbor International in Phoenix, United States, say they are disappointed at receiving unexpected wage cuts despite their employer being awarded an expensive custodial contract.

In July, the Phoenix City Council awarded a $10.1 million yearly contract to San Antonio-based ISS Facility Services Inc. It was hoped the move would provide better working conditions for airport custodial workers, who had complained of their minimum wage pay, lack of paid sick leave and lack of paid vacation.

According to a local news report on azcentral.com, ISS initially said they would retain all airport custodial workers, pay higher wages and offer a competitive benefits package.

The report http://www.azcentral.com/community/phoenix/articles/20131216wage-cuts-hi... on AZ central says, “ISS did begin offering a benefits package and plans for paid vacation, holiday and sick time, but the company also restarted all airport custodial workers at a pay rate of $8.50 per hour. For about 68 percent of the airport's 200 or so custodians, this meant an increase in base pay from $7.90 per hour, according to ISS. Arizona minimum wage is $7.80 per hour.”

“However, about a quarter of the airport's custodians — namely those with the most experience — saw their base pay decrease, some from $10 or more an hour. Those affected said they felt blindsided by the cuts, particularly after the euphoria of successfully pushing council to award the new contract to ISS.”