Airline support staff at Charlotte Douglas International Airport walked off the job Monday, pressing for higher wages and better treatment during one of the busiest travel weeks of the year.
For Georgians flying through this major hub, delays or disruptions could put holiday plans in jeopardy.
✈️ Why It Matters: Charlotte is a critical stop for flights connecting Georgia travelers to destinations nationwide. With Thanksgiving traffic peaking, the strike could lead to service hiccups, particularly for those with tight schedules.
💼 What’s Happening: Airport workers who clean cabins, assist passengers with wheelchairs, and handle other vital tasks say they’re fed up with what they describe as poverty wages.
• Many workers earn between $12.50 and $19 an hour, according to their union.
• The strike involves employees contracted by ABM and Prospect Airport Services, which provide services for American Airlines.
🛠️ The Workers’ Case: Strikers say their jobs are essential to keeping airports running smoothly, yet they’re barely scraping by. Workers are calling for fair wages, allowing them to afford basic necessities.
🌀 For Travelers: Airport officials have said the strike is unlikely to cause major disruptions, but passengers could face minor delays or service reductions.
• If you’re flying through Charlotte, check for updates on your flight and allow extra time in case of service slowdowns.
• With 1 million passengers expected to move through the airport this week, even minor delays could compound quickly.
🌍 The Big Picture: This strike comes amid a broader push across the U.S. for better wages in industries that depend on workers who are often invisible to the public. Many workers across the nation realized their value during the pandemic and have been pushing for better wages and working conditions in the years that have followed.
B.T. Clark
B.T. Clark is an award-winning journalist and the Publisher of The Georgia Sun. He has 25 years of experience in journalism and served as Managing Editor of Neighbor Newspapers in metro Atlanta for 15 years and Digital Director at Times-Journal Inc. for 8 years. His work has appeared in several newspapers throughout the state including Neighbor Newspapers, The Cherokee Tribune and The Marietta Daily Journal. He is a Georgia native and a fifth-generation Georgian.