The Thanksgiving travel rush at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, a major hub for American Airlines, is under strain as workers providing essential services like cleaning, trash removal, and wheelchair assistance have gone on strike. This walkout, driven by demands for higher wages and improved workplace respect, raises concerns about its impact on one of the busiest holiday travel periods of the year at the airline’s critical hub.

AAA projects that nearly 80 million travelers will journey 50 miles or more from home this Thanksgiving holiday, marking a significant increase of 1.7 million from last year and 2 million more than in 2019. For the first time, AAA’s forecast includes the Tuesday before and the Monday after Thanksgiving to account for the expanded flow of travelers. This surge in travel underscores the heightened pressure on transportation hubs like Charlotte Douglas International Airport, where workers’ strikes amid the busiest travel week could add to the challenges faced by nearly record-breaking numbers of holiday travelers.

Workers responsible for cleaning airplanes, removing trash, and assisting passengers with wheelchairs at Charlotte Douglas International Airport staged a 24-hour strike on Monday. This action comes during the peak Thanksgiving travel period, as employees push for higher wages and greater respect on the job.

Union-Led Movement for Wage Increases

The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) organized the strike, with union spokesperson Sean Keady confirming the walkout aimed to end “poverty wages” during the busy holiday season. Workers employed by ABM and Prospect Airport Services, contractors for American Airlines, authorized the strike in a vote last Friday.

While these workers currently earn between $12.50 and $19 an hour, the union advocates for wages in the $22–$25 range to meet the rising cost of living. At a rally near the airport, Rev. Glencie Rhedrick of the Charlotte Clergy Coalition for Justice underscored the need for fair pay, emphasizing that many workers struggle to afford basic necessities while performing essential roles to keep flights on schedule.

Uneven Wage Policies Across Regions

Union representatives highlighted discrepancies in wages across the U.S. Chris Baumann, SEIU’s regional director, noted that local wage ordinances in the Northeast ensure higher pay, while Southern cities like Charlotte lag behind. Workers are urging contractors to voluntarily increase wages in the absence of local mandates.

Impact on Thanksgiving Travel

Despite the strike coinciding with one of the busiest travel weeks of the year, American Airlines stated it does not anticipate significant disruptions to its operations. FlightAware reported around 30 flight delays at Charlotte Douglas by Monday afternoon—approximately 4% of the airport’s total flights—indicating minimal immediate effects.

Charlotte airport officials, anticipating record holiday traffic of over 1 million passengers, assured the public they were working to prevent disruptions, noting that the striking workers are not directly employed by the city’s aviation department.

Workers’ Plight and Public Support

Many striking employees shared stories of living paycheck to paycheck, with some unable to afford food, housing, or car repairs. Advocates at the rally held signs reading “Respect Black and Brown Workers” and “Respect, Protect, Pay Us,” emphasizing systemic inequities.

Union leaders also organized a “Strikesgiving” lunch for workers who missed celebrating with family due to the strike, drawing attention to their sacrifices.

Response from Employers

Prospect Airport Services acknowledged the timing of the strike but did not provide a comment on Monday. Meanwhile, American Airlines reiterated that employees have multiple avenues to voice concerns, including hotlines and manager access.

The strike highlights ongoing wage disparity issues in the aviation industry, particularly in regions without local wage protections. As travel rebounds post-pandemic, workers are making their demands for fair compensation and workplace respect increasingly heard.