More than 150 air fuellers at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) have voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike against Swissport, a commercial aviation services company.
The workers, represented by Teamsters Local 174, took the vote. A strike could bring air travel through SEA to a standstill.
Rick Hicks, secretary-treasurer of Local 174 and Teamsters Western Region International Vice President said: “Swissport’s greed has forced our members to take action.
“Our members perform dangerous, physically demanding work, and Swissport’s success was built on their backs. No one wants to walk off the job, but this company has a duty to its workers and the flying public to negotiate in good faith.”
Swissport is the largest provider of airport ground services in the world and reported nearly $4.2 billion in revenue last year.
“A strike by air fuelers at SEA would directly impact operations for major airlines, including American, Alaska, Delta, United, JetBlue, and others.
Parsu Ghimirey, an air fueller and Local 174 shop steward said: “This is a highly skilled, high-risk job, and all we’re asking for is fair pay and good benefits.
“Swissport can more than afford what we’re asking. If we end up striking, it’ll be because of management’s greed — plain and simple.”
Swissport’s statement on strike action at Seattle Airport: “We are disappointed that the Teamsters union whose members provide Swissport’s fuelling services at Seattle airport has chosen to undertake this unjustifiable strike action.
“Contingency plans are currently in place to ensure the continuity of our fuelling services at Seattle airport.
“Swissport has been negotiating in good faith and its latest proposed offer is extremely competitive including higher wages and better working conditions than its competitors. Our team members would be the highest paid fuelers at Seattle airport. However, the union has refused to allow its members to vote on our proposal.
“We are extremely sorry that after a month of negotiations, based on a very fair offer, Teamsters has decided to take this course of action. We have repeatedly asked the union to negotiate but they keep delaying engaging in meaningful discussions.
“Swissport is confident that a resumption in dialogue will provide a positive result. We continue to pursue every avenue to find a solution and are prepared to return to the negotiating table should the union reengage.
“Our priority is to continue providing the best service to our customers.”
