ATLANTA — An Atlanta City Council committee meeting was nearly packed with maintenance workers from Hartsfield-Jackson Airport demanding better work conditions.
Workers brought attention to issues such as rats, low pay and sexual harassment allegations on Wednesday, threatening to strike if their demands are not met.
“We are not going to work. If they don’t meet our demands today, no planes will be flying out of Hartsfield-Jackson because we are not going to work," said Duvon Robinson, a community activist.
The workers cried out to city leaders, stating that their paychecks had decreased by $4 an hour compared to the pay they received two years ago.
Another woman claimed a supervisor sexually harassed her. She also claimed she knew others with similar experiences but that her concerns weren't being heard.
Representatives from the airport attended Wednesday's meeting and encouraged victims to report the behavior to their human resources department.
Atlanta councilmembers like Antonio Lewis showed their support for the workers.
“I’m team y'all. I’m team y'all full out," the councilman said.
Representatives with Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport released the following statement:
It is ATL’s goal to provide a safe, fulfilling and professional workplace. Our team members are our top priority and Airport leaders are constantly monitoring, analyzing, and adjusting compensation to ensure equity and reflect the challenges faced while working in such a dynamic environment.
ATL has systems in place at the Airport and at the City’s Department of Human Resources to ensure grievances are addressed quickly, thoroughly and fairly.
In regards to compensation, in 2019 ATL officials recognized the need for increased wages among Maintenance employees and opted to increase pay by as much as 20% in some cases. Also, ATL has reclassified some positions within the business unit to create opportunities for career progression and growth. During the COVID crisis Maintenance workers were provided $500 per month in hazard pay, were given 24 hours compensatory time per pay period, and were guaranteed a 40 hour work-week schedule regardless of personal time requested. These allowances were afforded to employees who also benefited from the wage increase described above undertaken prior to COVID. Additionally, a citywide compensation study is currently underway with recommendations expected to be implemented at the conclusion of the study.
11Alive also contacted Mayor Andre Dickens' office for comment and is awaiting a response.