"CWA-Led Picket Highlights Piedmont Airlines Workers’ Push for Improved Rights and Compensation"
Phoenix, Arizona - On Monday, October 28, 2024, Piedmont Airlines employees, supported by the Communications Workers of America (CWA), held a coordinated picket at multiple airport stations across the United States, including Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX).
This action, spanning from 9 a.m. to noon, was aimed at drawing attention to employee demands for improved pay, safer working conditions, and respect for workers' rights. The picket was simultaneously conducted at several locations where Piedmont operates, such as Boise (BOI), Meadows Field (BFL), and others, totaling over ten airport locations.
According to a video statement from the CWA Bargaining Team https://vimeo.com/1023050053/aa41871837?&login=true, negotiations with Piedmont Airlines management took place on October 22-24, covering key articles like filling vacancies, hours of service, overtime, training, uniforms, holidays, vacation, compensation, benefits, and safety. The union reported only one tentative agreement on worker uniforms, with significant gaps remaining in areas such as vacation, benefits, and hours of service.
The picket is underscored by the recent third-quarter financial report from American Airlines, revealing a substantial pre-tax profit of $271 million and record quarterly revenue of $13.6 billion. Despite these figures, Piedmont Airlines' offer in the negotiations has reportedly increased by just $0.16 from the prior month. This increase was met with frustration from workers who have been advocating for "livable wages" as the 2018 Collective Bargaining Agreement nears its expiration on November 4, 2023.
Through this picket, the CWA and Piedmont workers hope to spotlight their demands for improved healthcare, a livable wage, and safe working standards. pmaa