SEATAC, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A looming strike could soon impact flights at Seattle-Tacoma Airport.
Teamsters Local 174 says its union of 150 aircraft fuelers at the airport voted unanimously to authorize a strike yesterday (Tues).
The union says its members help fuel several major airlines including Delta, Alaska, American and United. If they decide to strike, it could force the majority of aircrafts passing through SeaTac to find a new way to get fuel.
The union says its demands range from economic issues like higher pay to basic human needs like a clean lunchroom and a chance to clean jet fuel from their clothes at the end of their shift.
“A strike is always a last resort, and that is especially true in an industry like this one where a strike would cause hardship for so many people,” said Teamsters Local 174 Secretary-Treasurer Rick Hicks. “However, that decision ultimately lies with Swissport management, who has a responsibility to come back to the bargaining table with an offer that respects our members. They work a physically demanding job in every type of weather, and Swissport’s success is entirely built upon their backs. If Swissport does not get serious about this contract, our members will be voting on Tuesday on whether to strike.”
The two sides are scheduled to resume negotiations on Thursday.
