Catherwood LibraryILR School

Hundreds of service employees who work at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport participated in a 24-hour strike to demand wage increases as many of the workers live paycheck to paycheck. The workers are employed by ABM and Prospect Airport Services and are represented by the Service Employees International Union. The unionized employees perform various tasks at the airport, including removing trash, assisting with wheelchairs, and cleaning planes after they land. ABM and Prospect Airport Services have contracts with American Airlines, and the Charlotte Douglas International Airport is a major hub for the airline. The service workers voted to authorize strike action last week,  with some stating that travelers are flying home to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday, but the workers who are essential to the travel process cannot afford to celebrate with their own families.