Workers who push wheelchairs, clean cabins and handle bags at DFW International Airport say they need American Airlines to force contractors to raise wages as...
Southwest Airlines has come to a tentative deal with the union representing 7,000 customer service workers that would give raises, bonuses and caps on mandatory overtime after another contract proposal failed last year.“We need more money and better benefits,” said Larry Allen, 69, of Arlington, who works as a wheelchair transporter at DFW and makes $8 an hour. “I don’t see why we can’t get paid like the other airline workers.
Allen works for ABM Aviation, a major airline contractor that cleans cabins in airplanes among other tasks. ABM did not respond to a request for comment and neither did American., although those workers were engaged in contract negotiations with their employers, LSG SkyChefs. The unions want American Airlines to sign a “Good Airports Pledge” to ensure that companies they contract with are paying good wages, benefits and vacation.
But at 69, he said the cold and hot weather was difficult and he took a job working inside pushing wheelchairs, a service required by the federal government for airlines. He said he’s worked at DFW since 1978, first delivering mail to airlines such as American for transport across the country.