BWI Workers rally for better wages, benefits & working conditions
Members of Unite Here, Local 7, and their Social Justice allies, staged a demonstration Wednesday at BWI-Thurgood Marshall Airport. It took place at the departure terminal of Southwest Airlines. The workers are fighting “AirMall, USA,” the company placed in charge of concessions at the airport by the State of Maryland. The union is demanding improved wages, benefits and working conditions for their members. Since the State hires AirMall, USA, Governor Martin O’Malley has a potentially important role to play in resolving this dispute.
There are about 1,500 concession jobs at BWI, mostly all of them are in the part/time category. According to a study authorized by the union, BWI concession workers median pay is “$8.50 per hour and the annual salary is $15, 912.” AirMall insist that the union study is flawed.
To learn more about Unite Here, Local 7, click here. Unite Here represents hotel, gaming and food service workers in a wide variety of industries. About 75 activists participated in the spirited rally at BWI. For more photos click here.
Bill Hughes is an attorney, author, actor and photographer. His latest book is “Byline Baltimore.” It can be found at: https://www.amazon.com/William-Hughes/e/B00N7MGPXO/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1