O'Hare Cargo Workers Strike Over Unfair Labor Practices

Among workers' concerns are faulty vehicles, rundown equipment and a warehouse that is subject to extreme temperatures, according to SEIU.

Anna Schier,Patch Staff

CHICAGO, IL — Cargo workers at O’Hare airport walked off the job Thursday in protest of what they say are unsafe working conditions and unfair labor practices.

The 24-hour strike by Swissport Cargo Services employees included a demonstration Thursday morning between Terminals 1 and 2. Hundreds turned out for the event, according to SEIU Local 1, which tweeted videos of protesters holding signs that read “Swissport Cargo mistreats workers,” “You cannot silence us” and “Si se puede.”

Among the employees’ concerns are faulty vehicles, rundown equipment and a warehouse that is subject to extreme temperatures, according to SEIU Local 1. Bailey Koch, communications coordinator for the union, said Swissport workers had expressed interest in joining Local 1, but that they had not yet taken steps to formally unionize and that many employees had experienced retaliation.

“Without us, airports wouldn’t function properly and travelers and airlines would feel the effects,” Swissport employee Christopher Enterline told the crowd Thursday, according to a tweet from SEIU Local 1. “For too long, we’ve been putting up with these conditions but seeing you all by our sides gives me hope that we will win — together.”

Thursday’s demonstration had no impact on operations at O’Hare, according to the Chicago Department of Aviation. Similar strike activity was also planned in Boston and Newark, Airport Workers United tweeted Thursday morning.

Swissport employees have filed complaints with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and an unfair labor practice was filed against Swissport with the National Labor Relations Board as well, according to SEIU Local 1.

In a prepared statement, Swissport denied unfair labor practices and said it complies with applicable labor regulations.

“The health and safety of all our employees is the highest priority for Swissport,” the statement said.

The company presented SEIU with a labor peace agreement in October that would allow the union to organize Swissport’s O’Hare cargo workers if both the employer and union consent to the arrangement's terms, according to the statement. Koch said Local 1 had not signed any such agreement.

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