Here's how the Airport Strike will affect Holiday Travel

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Workers at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the U.S., went on strike Monday, calling for higher wages and better working conditions during one of the busiest travel weeks of the year.

The workers, who clean airplanes, remove trash, and assist passengers with wheelchairs, are employed by ABM and Prospect Airport Services, two contractors that provide essential services for American Airlines, the airport’s primary carrier. In a statement issued early Monday, the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) announced the 24-hour strike, citing the workers’ demand for “an end to poverty wages and respect on the job,” particularly as holiday travel ramps up.

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The strike comes after workers voted Friday to authorize the work stoppage, which coincides with the busy Thanksgiving travel period. Union spokesperson Sean Keady confirmed that the strike would last for 24 hours, during which workers are demanding fair compensation for their often physically demanding and low-paying jobs.

The workers’ actions underscore ongoing labor tensions at airports nationwide, as many workers employed by subcontractors to major airlines like American Airlines have voiced concerns over inadequate wages, poor benefits, and challenging working conditions. As travelers flood the airport for Thanksgiving flights, the strike highlights the crucial roles these workers play in keeping airports functioning smoothly, despite the difficult working conditions they face.