Charlotte airport workers hold 24-hour strike after colleague's death
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ABM cabin cleaners at Charlotte Douglas International Airport began a 24‑hour walkout, citing safety concerns and calling for better paid‑time‑off policies and union recognition.
Strike action
The walkout will last 24 hours after ABM cabin cleaner Colleen Coates died on the job while waiting on a jet bridge to clean an American Airlines aircraft. Workers are demanding that ABM management address concerns about safety, harassment, verbal abuse and intimidation, and have signed a petition for basic protections, a safe working environment, a more transparent paid‑time‑off policy and union recognition. Niecy Brown, district director for the Workers United union in North Carolina, said the union is demanding “respect” for its workers. Charlotte City Councilwoman Dimple Ajmera released a statement supporting the ABM workers. Coates had asked for an update on her paid‑time‑off balance before September 17 and was told she had zero hours; after her death, Brown said the posted balance showed she had 20 hours remaining. Workers earn $12.50 an hour.
Airport expansion debate
City leaders are debating a proposed 10‑and‑a‑half‑year agreement to support a $2.1 billion expansion of Charlotte Douglas International Airport.