MLK Day 2016: Protests Planned By Airport Workers In Nine U.S. Cities


Airline workers in nine U.S. cities have planned acts of civil disobedience scheduled for Martin Luther King Day (MLK), Day.  The Washington Post reports, airline workers plan to assemble and disrupt business at airline headquarters, march through terminals, block traffic, and make things inconvenient.

https://www.popularresistance.org/new-york-airport-workers-organize-to-end-two-tier-wage-system/
Image via Popular Resistance

Workers To Protest Grossly Inadequate Wages

Airline workers willing to risk arrest at airports, the National Mall, and other spaces include those in maintenance, wheelchair attendants, baggage handlers, and plane fuelers.   They align with other American workers seeking a $15-per-hour minimum wage.  In some states airline workers make $6.75 an hour. The horrifically inept wage makes working two or three jobs a reality for many.

Money Matters, Along With Working Conditions And The Right To Unionize

Money is only one concern of workers who are contracted through outside companies to provide airport services. They also want better benefits and job protection.  They stand together united in protesting backlash against efforts to unionize, and to fight back against discrimination and hostile work environments.

MLK Day Protests In Multiple Cities Carries The Hope of Change

In addition to Washington D.C., protests are scheduled in Boston, New York, Newark, Philadelphia, Miami, Chicago, Portland and Seattle. Jamie Contreras, head of 32BJ Service Employees International Union for the Washington area said:

“These men and women are calling for real change at these airports in the visionary spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King…We are protesting a gross injustice and humiliating working conditions.”


Fighting against injustice and creating dialogue that promotes positive change honors the legacy of Dr. King. Many Americans have gotten into the groove of using the national holiday (and day off) to promote service to others and improve societal conditions.  Blue collar workers of America: You are indeed somebody!

For airline workers around the country and those standing with them for work place justice, MLK Day 2016 protests honors the right to employ civil disobedience.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C. Imani Williams is a human rights and social justice activist. She writes to empower and give voice to those silenced through systematic oppression. Her work has appeared in Between the Lines, Michigan Citizen, Tucson Weekly, Harlem Times, Dope Magazine and various news and popular culture blogs. Follow the unapologetically black political culture critique @ https://twitter.com/Imaniwms and https://www.facebook.com/You-Have-The-Right-540358412796352/?fref=ts