WASHINGTON (WUSA9) -- Airport workers have been protesting over pay and conditions Thursday at the National Airport.
The 24-hour walkout includes cleaners, security officers and baggage handlers. The service workers are demanding better wages and union rights.
"We do our best to keep airports safe and running smoothly," said Samrawit Seifu who works two jobs for ATS and Eulen at National Airport. "We are always at risk and at least need the peace of mind that comes with livable wages and better treatment."
"$3.77 is not a fair wage," said David Tucker, who has worked as a skycap for 53 years. "For anybody who works here, I know it's hard {to survive} because it is hard for me."
While Tucker will soon be ready to retire, he joined the protest to help those who will soon follow in his footsteps. "The problem is still there and it needs to end somewhere; it needs to end now," Tucker said.
Workers planned on striking at several major airports across the country last week, however did not do so after the Brussels attacks.
As of right now some airline contractors make less than $4 an hour, according to one of the workers who spoke to WUSA9. They rely on tips to make more money, the workers tell WUSA9.
The service workers are excluded from the Airport Living wage law.
They are pushing for $15 an hour.
"If customers aren't generous enough to give you a tip, it means in two weeks, you get less than $200," said Kwaku Agyenan, a frustrated wheelchair attendant.
"It's very difficult to not rent with $200."
In addition service workers are also accusing their employers of intimidating them. They want more respect. "If you are too vocal, they look at you differently,"Agyenan said.
"I've heard complaints about me even when I'm not wrong, people find a way to chuck me out. With a union, we wouldn't have that problem."
The struggle for thousands of worker nation-wide comes at a time when the aviation industry is doing well. Some fear the high turnover rate for these service jobs will minimize quality and put travelers at risk since many are generally first responders.
Strike is underway outside of @Reagan_Airport. Service workers demanding higher wages & better treatment. @wusa9 pic.twitter.com/anuwEz3flS
— Mikea Turner (@MikeaWUSA9) March 31, 2016
