Kenney: Strike at PHL averted during DNC
Mayor Kenney announced an agreement Friday night for workers at Philadelphia International Airport who were threatening a strike during the Democratic National Convention to form a union.
Mayor Kenney announced an agreement Friday night for workers at Philadelphia International Airport who were threatening a strike during the Democratic National Convention to form a union.
Kenney said he and Gov. Wolf had brought SEIU 32BJ, which has been trying to unionize the workers, together with American Airlines to work out a deal.
"Beginning today and into next week, 32BJ and American will be working together on such an agreement and to ensure the smooth operation of the airport as thousands of delegates from around the country convene for the Democratic National Convention," Kenney said in a statement.
Kenney said U.S. Rep. Robert Brady and City Councilman Bobby Henon provided "invaluable" help to make an agreement possible.
Cedric Rockamore, PHL hub vice president for American, said the company wanted to thank Wolf, Kenney, Brady, Henon, airport CEO Chellie Cameron, and SEIU 32BJ "for working together to maintain continued harmony at the airport during the Democratic National Convention and thereafter."
Nonunion workers, including baggage handlers, wheelchair attendants, and airplane cleaners, voted last week to walk off their jobs sometime during the DNC.
They have been seeking better scheduling, clarity on sick pay, a more predictable disciplinary system, and the ability to form a union.
There was a large rally and march at their airport in support of the workers, and on Thursday, a group of clergy were arrested in the airport when they held a sit-in in solidarity. The clergy members were issued citations and released.
"We are grateful for the leadership of Mayor Kenney and Gov. Wolf on behalf of workers. We are moved by the clergy members of POWER who, just yesterday, took arrest to defend workers' rights," said Gabe Morgan, vice president of SEIU 32BJ.
"Over the next few days, we will work with American Airlines to reach an agreement where workers' rights are respected and the airport runs smoothly," he said.
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Staff writer Linda Loyd contributed to this article.