News

U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez was guided through Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) last week by airline contracted baggage handlers, checkpoint agents, wheelchair attendants, cabin cleaners and ramp workers who shared their stories about how they keep the airport safe and running smooth for the traveling public, but face concerns over low wages, safety and job security.

“Airport workers help keep our nations’ airports safe, clean and running, but they are some of the most forgotten workers in America,” Perez said after his visit. “Today’s meeting with airport workers is a reminder of why the administration is fighting to raise wages, improve workplace safety and encouraging workers to make their voices heard in the workplace.”

Workers from Chicago’s O'Hare, Philadelphia and Newark, N.J., airports were also on hand to tell the secretary about their struggle to make ends meet on poverty wages, while enduring bullying and intimidation from their employers after pushing for a voice on the job.

“We are energized and grateful for the support of such a high level official,” said Kwaku Agyeman, 59, who works part-time as a Eulen America wheelchair agent at DCA, relying on tips to supplement his $6.75/hr wage. “Eulen should get the message loud and clear that we deserve better than intimidation and poverty wages.”

Around the United States, contracted airport workers are coming together in Airport Workers United, a movement of working people and their allies, raising their voices for $15 and union rights to make airports safe and secure for passengers, employees and their communities. More than 70,000 airport workers across the United States have either received wage increases or other improvements, including healthcare, paid sick leave and worker retention policies as a result of the campaign.

Watch a video of the secretary’s visit here.