Florida airports will be bustling this week with travelers headed home for the holidays.
Fort Lauderdale International Airport, which ranks in the top 10 busiest in the country during the Thanksgiving holiday, will be dealing with a peaceful protest against low wages.
For example, passenger assistance employees like Edson Jocelyn make $4.65 an hour plus tips.
"That kind of money that we get paid can't support our families at all, can't do nothing, and sometimes don't even make $30 for the day or even $20," Jocelyn said.
An immigrant from Haiti and father of three, Jocelyn commutes two hours each way to work by bus because he can't afford a car.
Today, passenger service workers are holding a peaceful protest at the airport to try to encourage airline contractors to pay a living wage.
Eric Brakken, director of the Florida Union SEIU 32BJ, said people like Jocelyn should be compensated.
"They provide critical services throughout the year, cleaning the terminals, pushing wheelchairs, handling baggage, so that airports like Fort Lauderdale International Airport are safe and secure."
Jocelynsaid his employer has not listened to complaints.
'They say 'Take it or leave it.'"
Jocelyn is asking people to sign a petition for the Broward County government to step in and make sure people such as passenger assistants, baggage handlers, janitors and others are paid a living wage. View the petition at Change.org.
- Florida News Connection
