Contract Philadelphia airport workers joining national protest for higher wages

A group of nonunion workers at Philadelphia International Airport will join their counterparts at airports in Chicago, Boston, New York, Newark, and Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on Thursday in a coordinated demonstration for higher wages and better working conditions.

In Philadelphia, the 2,000 workers employed by contractors hired by the airlines are wheelchair attendants, sky caps and baggage handlers at luggage carousels who help passengers get their bags to the curb for tips.

The airport rallies are being organized by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), which wants to organize the workers in a labor union. American Airlines, which operates 76 percent of flights at Philadelphia airport, said the protest will not disrupt flights or operations. "We're certainly aware that they have a permit for a demonstration," Philadelphia airport spokeswoman Mary Flannery said. The protest was to begin Wednesday night, followed by a 7:30 a.m. rally Thursday outside Philadelphia airport B and C terminals. Mayor-elect Jim Kenney is scheduled to speak to the group at noon Thursday. - Linda Loyd