Fighting for Better at PDX—Airport Workers Stand Up!
Wheelchair pushers at Portland International Airport often walk tens of thousands of steps a day. Pushing those in need of assistance across the fast footprint of the airport and helping passengers to and from their destinations, it's a difficult job. As we returned to airline travel to see family and take trips put on pause, we had a chance to give back to those who help some of our most vulnerable.
So, when the time came to negotiate their contract, PDX workers showed up at the bargaining table... and were left waiting. Airline executives failed to show up, leaving the group waiting to discuss what would impact not on their work, but the lives of their families.
That is why we began to apply pressure on executives. With the help of the community, we applied pressure and management finally showed up. By showing our support for workers, PDX workers were able to ratify their new contract in October 2023.
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Video edited by Jonni Ketcher. Storyboarded by Scott Cheesewright.
