Charlotte-Douglas Airport Workers Vote on Potential Strike

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Hundreds of workers at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport are voting today on whether to strike for 24 hours during the busy holiday travel season. The workers, employed by third-party contractors rather than the airport or airlines, perform essential tasks such as cleaning planes, assisting travelers with disabilities, and handling waste. According to WBTV, they say they are facing a “poverty wage crisis,” with most earning between $12.50 and $19 an hour.
A strike could disrupt operations during a peak season expected to bring a record 1.02 million passengers through the airport. While workers express reluctance to interfere with holiday travel, many say they are willing to strike if it pressures their employers to negotiate for better pay and conditions. For many, the vote represents a broader struggle for dignity and respect in the workplace.