CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Workers at Charlotte Douglas International Airport returned to the picket line Tuesday demanding respect and better wages.
Tuesday's rally came ahead of American Airlines' annual shareholder meeting on Wednesday. Charlotte Douglas is one of the largest hubs for American with hundreds of daily flights.
"It's service workers like me who help power air travel and keep travelers safe by cleaning planes, loading baggage, assisting travelers who need a wheelchair, handling cargo and other works behind the scenes," Lashonda Barber, a driver at Charlotte Douglas, said.
Charlotte airport workers went on a 24-hour strike ahead of Memorial Day weekend, calling the protest an effort to "demand an end to poverty wages and respect on the job."
Some workers say they work multiple jobs to get by with many earning as little as $14 an hour.
"Without us, American Airlines won't fly," Barber told the crowd. "Yet we struggle to survive on poverty wages while the CEO makes $15,000 an hour. I'm trying to support my son, my daughter, my grandbaby and mother on $19 an hour. It's not enough. You know that doesn't work, especially when others only make $14."
The workers, who are part of the Service Employees International Union, are seeking recognition from American Airlines. Barber said recognition would bring higher wages and better treatment from the airline.
"We are fed up and joining together like never before to fight back and demand an end to corporations exploiting Black, brown and immigrant workers who they rely on to keep our airports safe, clean and running."
WCNC Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with the team at WCNC Charlotte.
SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Pandora || TuneIn || Google Podcasts || iHeart
All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.