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JFK Security to Strike Over Shoddy Winter Coats

Workers want better radios, more training, too

By Mark Russell,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 14, 2012 9:29 AM CST

(Newser) – About 100 security guards at JFK Airport have voted to go on strike on Dec. 20, just as the holiday travel rush is surging, if demands for better training and equipment are not met, reports NBC News. Employees are calling for higher quality radios and winter coats, among other things. Air Serv Corp., the company that employs the security guards, says it was just notified about its employees' demands and is now reviewing the issues, saying, "We value employees' input on matters of concern to them."

Air Serv security guards are paid $8 an hour and do not get sick days, notes the Village Voice. Another group of guards at the airport is to vote on a similar measure today. But their employer, Global Elite, accuses the union helping the non-unionized workers (who keep tarmacs secure and make sure only those who go through security can access departure gates) of making "false statements and allegations." "For the company to deny the veracity of their workers' complaints just points to the lengths they would go to," says a union rep.

People wait in line at the security check point at the Portland International Airport Tuesday, July 3, 2012, in Portland, Ore.
People wait in line at the security check point at the Portland International Airport Tuesday, July 3, 2012, in Portland, Ore.   (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 28 comments
reallybig
Dec 15, 2012 12:19 AM CST
No matter how much you pay them, the drug cartels can buy most of them . REALLY
whocaresImeanreally
Dec 14, 2012 2:31 PM CST
What quality of person do you get for $8 per hour? I wouldn't trust these "security" people as far as I could throw them and especially not for the security of an airport. 
LoginsSuck
Dec 14, 2012 1:24 PM CST
If the company requires uniforms to be worn including winter coats, then the coat should be able to keep them warm. 8$/ hour is 16640/year. Below the poverty line for a family of 4 and just above for a family of 2. I don't think that this is the first time the company has heard complaints, but it just may be the first time they take them seriously. If workers are that upset to strike you know there was talking before hand and surely the company would have heard something. Instead of getting to the issue, the company either ignored or didn't care and couldn't be bothered about their employees welfare. For 8$/hour it can't be skilled labor and probably has a high turn over rate. Employers tend not to care about complaints when they have another 50 people waiting to take the job.
 

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