Airline caterers told the San Francisco Airport Commission that they are ready to hold a strike unless they receive a higher wage.
The existing policy in the San Francisco Airport Commission, workers on airport property are required a minimum of USD 13.52 per hour, or PhP620. However, this policy does not include off-site caterers.
The airport commission declared that they will consider extending the minimum wages to airline catering workers.
Local 2 President Anand Singh said there are over 1,200 workers in the airline industry that are making meals and food in and out of San Francisco. Singh acknowledged that these workers sometimes work in distressing, “sweatshop-like” conditions. Many of these workers make the state minimum wage, but they don’t have health care or pension.
Singh promised that some workers will get an increase of USD 3 (or PhP140) per hour in their minimum wage once this policy goes into effect.
Filipino-Americans belong to the over 1,000 workers who are hopeful that the airport commission will think about their demands.
One Chona Enchne said she is positive their voices will be heard. In an interview with ABS-CBN, she and many other airport workers work really hard, and the increase will mean so much for their families. Furthermore, this will help pay the rent and other utilities.
The airport workers’ union cited how the airline industry is expected to bring USD 29 billion (or PhP1.33 trillion) this year in profit because of the low wages paid to airline catering workers.
Singh said the airlines are the ones who negotiate the contracts with the caterers, and thus, it’s the airlines who can afford the increases. He said there will be future actions unless the airlines step up and do what’s right for their workers.
The union said they will meet with other catering companies and the airport commission to avoid a strike and ensure fair compensation.
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Source : TFCBalitangAmerica
