NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — Workers at LaGuardia Airport rallied outside the Marine Air Terminal on Thursday to announce the filing of unfair labor practice charges against Swissport USA — an airport ground services contractor.
32BJ SEIU, the union representing ramp agents, baggage carriers, cabin cleaners and workers, filed charges with the National Labor Relations Board alleging retaliation against union members.
The union claims Swissport suspended ramp workers and cabin cleaners after they criticized working conditions at the company.
A spokesperson for Swissport denied the company participated in any unfair labor practices and said workers receive "competitive wages and benefits."
"In all the cities we operate in the United States, Swissport fully complies with operating permit requirements," said the spokesperson. "The health and safety of all our employees is the highest priority for Swissport, as evidenced by our Best-in-Class record."
The charges come two months after the union filed five complaints with the New York City Department of Consumer Protection for allegedly violating the city’s Paid Safe and Sick Leave Law.
The law mandates large employers provide 56 hours of paid leave every year.
Committee on Labor Chair State Sen. Jessica Ramos and State Assemblymember Juan Ardila attended Thursday’s rally.
“Last December I went to LaGuardia Airport to fight for fair pay, sick leave, & dignified wages for Swissport workers,” wrote Ramos on Twitter. “Today, we went back to stand with workers as they filed unfair labor practices & fought back against retaliation. This is a union town.”
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