Charlotte Airport Service Workers Strike During Thanksgiving Travel Rush, Demand Living Wages

CHARLOTTE, NC – Service workers at Charlotte Douglas International Airport launched a strike Monday morning (Nov. 25), protesting what they describe as unsustainable wages amid one of the busiest travel weeks of the year, according to AP News.

The striking workers, employed by ABM and Prospect Airport Services, handle critical airport tasks such as cleaning airplane interiors, removing trash, and assisting passengers in wheelchairs. Both companies contract with American Airlines, one of the airport’s largest carriers.

The workers, backed by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), voted Friday to authorize the strike, which is expected to last throughout Monday. Several hundred employees are participating in the walkout, calling for “an end to poverty wages and respect on the job.”

“We’re on strike today because this is our last resort. We can’t keep living like this,” said Priscilla Hoyle, an ABM cabin cleaner. “We’re taking action because our families can’t survive.”

Union officials say that most workers earn between $12.50 and $19 an hour, far below the living wage for a single person in the Charlotte area. Many report living paycheck to paycheck, struggling to afford essentials such as food, housing, and car repairs.

The strike coincides with a record-breaking holiday travel season at Charlotte Douglas International, where over 1 million passengers are expected to pass through between last Thursday and the Monday after Thanksgiving.

As part of the strike, workers planned an 11 a.m. rally and a 1 p.m. “Strikesgiving” lunch, symbolizing the Thanksgiving meal many say they cannot afford.

“Airport service workers make holiday travel possible by keeping airports safe, clean, and running,” SEIU officials stated. “Despite their critical role in generating profits for major corporations, many airport service workers must work two to three jobs to make ends meet.”

Both ABM and Prospect Airport Services issued statements acknowledging the situation and promising to mitigate disruptions. ABM expressed appreciation for its employees and emphasized its commitment to their well-being, while Prospect said it recognized the potential impact of a strike during the busy holiday travel season.

The workers’ grievances highlight the growing tension between essential labor and corporate profitability, underscoring the broader national debate on fair wages and working conditions.