Worker Power Update

Fighting for Good Airport Jobs

Last Thursday, Senator Edward Markey (D-Mass.) and Representative Chuy Garcia (D-Ill.) introduced new worker-backed legislation to establish national wage and benefits levels for all airport service and airline workers at major airports that receive federal funding.

James McKnight, President of CWA Local 3146, along with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), other lawmakers, union leaders, and workers spoke at the press conference in support of the legislation that would ensure public funds go towards supporting good jobs for airport workers.

“Throughout the pandemic, my members kept our nation’s air transportation system running safely and effectively. Frontline workers were expected to be at work, despite the risks to our personal safety,” said McKnight. “We continue to perform our duties despite the risks, all the while being overworked and underpaid. More than 75% of my members work part-time jobs, including myself, in order to make ends meet and support our families. Miami International Airport is the state’s largest economic engine and it is a shame that my members cannot survive on the wages they earn.”

James McKnight, President of CWA Local 3146, joined lawmakers, other union leaders, and workers in support of the Good Jobs for Good Airports legislation.

###

Lawmakers Stand with NABET-CWA Contract Workers in the U.S. House of Representatives Demanding Equal Pay

U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver II (D-Mo.) led a coalition of 29 House Democrats calling for members of NABET-CWA Local 52031 employed at Maslow Media Group, Inc., to receive equal pay for equal work. In a letter sent to the Chief Administrative Officer of the House of Representatives earlier this month, the lawmakers pointed out that Maslow employees “work side-by-side with House Recording Studio (HRS) employees performing the same duties and responsibilities. However, the Maslow employees earn substantially less than the HRS employees and have few, if any, benefits (such as retirement, health insurance, etc.) available to them.”

Bob Williams, President of NABET-CWA Local 52031 said, “Maslow workers broadcast messages of pay equity and dignity and respect in the workplace from the House of Representatives – and now it’s time the lawmakers they serve start speaking out for them and try to rectify this injustice. Thank you to Representative Cleaver and all the Members who signed on. This brings us one step closer to making sure that our members who provide vital services for the House of Representatives are paid fairly.”

###

More Highlights from the 2022 CWA Legislative and Political Conference

Videos of featured speakers and worker panels from last week’s 2022 CWA Legislative and Political Conference are available at cwa.org/2022-lp-conference-video.

You can also check out the conference photo gallery here.