​Airline bailout must protect contracted workers, union says

While Airlines for America (A4A), the airlines’ lobbying group, has told Congress that they are seeking a bailout to avoid layoffs, thousands of airport workers are already being laid off and it could be just the tip of the iceberg.
While working hours are being reduced and layoffs are rapidly increasing, thus far over 500 contracted cabin cleaner, skycap, baggage handler, lobby and ramp workers have been laid off at DC-area airports, reports 32BJ SEIU. 
“It’s not just corporations that need support, it’s contracted workers who are actually the ones on the front lines and lack both health and financial protections,” said Jaime Contreras, Vice President of 32BJ SEIU. “There’s no reason basic protections for contracted airport workers shouldn’t be included and we are going to keep pushing for that. Right now the airlines are asking the government for a $60 billion bailout, while contracted airport workers are given nothing. They live paycheck to paycheck and many lack healthcare to even care for themselves in the face of this pandemic.”

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