Chris Baumann, Southern Region Director for Workers United, and Maribel MacBeth, an SEIU 32BJ member and cabin cleaner at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, discussed the ongoing struggle for better working conditions and fair wages. They highlighted the campaign to pass the Charlotte Acting for Safety and Efficiency (CASE) ordinance, the challenges faced by airport workers and the political obstacles in achieving their goals.
Baumann explained the CASE ordinance, which aims to improve safety and reduce turnover by raising wage and benefit standards for airport workers. Despite the City of Charlotte having a Democratic mayor and city council majority, passing the ordinance has faced significant opposition. Baumann attributed this resistance to pressure from major airlines, particularly American Airlines, which has a hub in Charlotte. He said the campaign has built a diverse coalition of community groups, clergy and students to support the ordinance, emphasizing that it's not just about wages but about ensuring public safety through a stable, experienced workforce.
MacBeth, who has worked as a cabin cleaner for 13 years, shared her firsthand experiences of the challenging working conditions. She described issues such as extreme heat in the planes, lack of adequate breaks and insufficient access to water. MacBeth also spoke about the financial struggles workers face, earning just $16.50 per hour with expensive, often unaffordable health insurance. She noted that the high turnover rate among her colleagues is largely due to these conditions, which underscores the need for better wages and benefits to retain experienced workers, who are crucial for airport safety.
The political landscape in Charlotte presents a unique challenge for labor organizers in the South. Despite Democratic control of the city government, the CASE ordinance has faced unexpected opposition. Baumann noted that the mayor used a preemption argument to block even a public hearing on the ordinance, which he believes is more about protecting corporate profits than legal concerns. This situation, he said, highlights the complex relationship between Democratic politicians and labor interests in the South, where corporate influence often outweighs worker advocacy.
Tune in to the full episode to hear more about the fight for airport worker rights and the broader implications for labor organizing in the South.