Sea-Tac workers call on Delta and other airlines to ensure that the airport contractors they hire are following infection control guidelines
Last week, the CEO of Delta Airlines claimed “you really can’t catch Ebola on an airplane.” While the risk of disease is vanishingly small when proper infection control guidelines are being followed, airport workers at Sea-Tac come into contact with blood, vomit, urine, and other bodily fluids from wheelchairs, aircraft cabins, and bathrooms — often without receiving the basic cleaning equipment and proper training needed to keep themselves and the public safe.
Delta is one of the largest airlines in the country and has a rapidly growing presence at our airport. They, along with the other airlines at Sea-Tac, must act responsibly by providing thorough and uniform training procedures along with protective gear and equipment and, at a minimum, comply with Centers for Disease Control guidelines.
Who: A delegation of contracted-out airport workers who serve the passengers of Delta and other airlines, joined by concerned community members
What: Call on Delta and other airlines at Sea-Tac and their contractors to act quickly and thoroughly in the interest of workers and public health
When: TODAY: 11:00 am, Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Where: Gather in the Arrivals Hall, then head to the Delta ticket counter
Cabin cleaners, wheelchair agents, and other Sea-Tac workers have raised health & safety concerns repeatedly in recent years. The State Department of Labor & Industries launched a formal investigation in December 2012 and issued fines several months later after numerous formal complaints were filed against contractors hired by airlines, citing issues like lack of personal protective equipment despite regular exposure to blood, vomit, urine, and feces.
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Contact: Sage Wilson, Working Washington, sage@workingwa.org
Working Washington unites low-wage workers to fight for a fair economy where everyone can support themselves, afford the basics, and contribute to the economy. We launched the fast food strikes that sparked the fight for $15 in Seattle; we helped lead the successful campaign to pass $15 in SeaTac; and we work in coalition with unions, faith groups, and grassroots organizations to hold corporations & politicians accountable to community needs.