By Gina Martinez
Local union workers held a conference in Richmond Hill this weekend to discuss the struggles of working in the airport industry.
TWU Local 100, a union that represents 15,000 union members in cafeterias, restaurants and airports, including Kennedy and LaGuardia, hosted the conference that focused on working conditions, worker safety and minimum wage. Also at the Saturday conference were state Sen. James Sanders Jr. (D- South Ozone Park), state Assemblyman David Weprin (D-Fresh Meadows) and state Assemblyman Franscisco Moya (D- Jackson Heights)
According to Local 100, New York airports are a vital part of revenue for the city, attracting big businesses, boosting tourism and driving trade. They said although JFK and LaGuardia airports are growing, thousands of the workers do not make a living wage, on average earning about $21,000 a year. In New York City that is below the poverty line and not nearly enough to even cover the average cost of rent.
The union workers were poised and spoke about their individual experiences, explaining that they are an important segment of the New York economy and should be shown more respect. They were hopeful that by organizing in large numbers they could make their voices heard.
“This is a constant battle,” said Maria Campso, a worker for OTG food services at LaGuardia. “But with my co-workers by my side I know that we will not stop doing everything we can to make sure that New York City airports provide jobs that help build up our communities.”
Sanders stood with the workers and promised to continue being an ally for them in the future.
“I have long been a supporter of TWU Local 100 and its tireless efforts to ensure that transportation employees are paid fairly, work under safe conditions and are treated with dignity and respect.” Sanders said. “Our trains, buses and airports could not function without the great men and women of TWU Local 100. I am proud to be a part of their first Airport Food, Beverage, and Retail Service Workers Conference. I welcome them to the community and look forward to continuing to work with them to address issues like raising labor standards and improving worker protections.”
Jose Maldonado, the secretary treasurer of Unitehere Local 100, believes that the conference is just the beginning of a bigger movement.
“We want to ensure that the conversation will not stop here,” Jose Maldonado said. “We will be following up with workers and their elected officials. This is not a one-time event but rather a piece of a continuing conversation and movement.”
Reach Gina Martinez by e-mail at gmart
