Baggage handlers and other staff at American and Delta airlines contractor Eulen America have gone on strike in protest at what they say are abusive and hazardous working conditions.
The airport workers are walking out of work today at Miami, Fort Lauderdale, JFK and Reagan airports in retaliation at Eulen America’s failure to provide an acceptable working environment.
Senator Cory Booker, Mayor Carmen Yulin Cruz and Mayor Bill de Blasio have joined the striking workers, whose concerns include, but are not limited to: airport vehicles in dangerous disrepair with faulty brakes and missing seatbelts, inadequate staffing, health and safety concerns, and retaliation and threats over organising for better conditions.
The Spanish-owned airport contractor has a long history of mistreatment and exploitation of their mostly immigrant workforce, facing allegations of denying workers rights, providing inhumane working conditions, even unpaid wages and intimidation.
When asked about conditions at Miami International Airport, CEO of Eulen America, Xavier Rabell said: “I am not the right person to ask. I am the CEO.”
Workers have already taken to New York City Hall to file complaints with the city Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP), over Eulen denying basic rights related to sick leave and legal and social assistance in difficult circumstances.
Strike details are as follows:
MIAMI & FORT LAUDERDALE
Miami International Airport @ Terminal H, Departures Level, Door 27
7:00 am: Strike line and press availability with Senator Cory Booker and striking airport workers.
1:15 pm: Rally with Mayor Carmen Yulin Cruz, Mayor Bill de Blasio, and other elected officials, and airport workers.
Fort Lauderdale Airport @ Between Terminal 1 & 2, Departures Level
9:00am-10am: Strike Line and press availability with striking workers and laid off wheelchair attendants.
JFK AIRPORT
JFK Airport Terminal 8 Arrivals, Queens, NY 11430
Airport workers will start their strike on Thursday, June 27 at 10:00am. They will hold two public events during the day, while they are on strike:
12:00pm: Rally & press conference: Eulen baggage handlers, cabin cleaners, wheelchair attendants will be joined by Senator Kevin Thomas
4:30pm: Picket line & press conference, joined by Councilman Donovan Richards
DCA REAGAN NATIONAL AIRPORT
Reagan National Airport: the very front of Terminal B, upper / departures level for Delta Airlines
6:00-7:00 AM Strike line 12:30-1:00 PM Rally and strike line, joined by Fairfax County Board of Supervisors primary winner, James Walkinshaw, Eulen baggage handlers, cabin cl
