Over 100 Workers At JFK Airport Strike, Demand Better Wages & Working Conditions
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- More than 100 workers at John F Kennedy International Airport walked off the job Wednesday as they demanded better working conditions.
After seven years with Alstate Maintenance, skycap David Harrison said he relies on tips more than he should have to, 1010 WINS' Al Jones reported.
"No benefits, I'm actually underpaid," he said. "I'm a tip worker, and I only make $5.65 an hour. The tip minimum wage is $6.05 right now."
Harrison was one of 150 out on the picket line in front of Terminal 1, where baggage handlers, skycaps and wheelchair attendants demanded better wages, benefits and working conditions, Jones reported.
"It's been bad from the start. It's been escalating since we've been trying to unionize," Harrison said.
While the lockout won't shut down the airport, officials said it may disrupt passengers' service operations.
Alstate Maintenance had no comment.
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