United NY marched with workers from Airserv and Global Elite Group. The airport’s employees, which are understaffed and underpaid, are improperly trained and rushed through plane inspections. Faster inspections equal more flights, and more flights equal more money for the companies CEOs at the expense of security for themselves, flyers and other JFK staff. Led by City Councilman James Sanders, along with city clergy and community leaders, a coalition gathered to pen a letter to Port Authority and TSA, detailing these issues that have the potential for severe consequences pleading to create better safety standards for its workers.
Outside of Terminal 4, several employees spoke before news crews, detailing their desire to unionize for better wages and benefits. “We are not machines… we’re real people with real families. We have to stretch our paychecks to make ends meet!” one employee exclaimed. State Senator Tony Avella, member of the Veterans Military Affairs of Homeland Security, spoke about how “appalled” at the inadequate equipment given to Global’s employees, such as faulty radios, to properly fulfill their jobs. “This is an issue about safety and free speech,” Avella emphasized, also expressing that this concern may be a widespread issue.