LaGuardia Airport Workers Strike Against Unfair Labor Practice

QUEENS — Ramp workers and cabin cleaners at LaGuardia Airport were on strike Thursday to protest unfair labor practices by their employer, Swissport USA.

The workers at LaGuardia Airport allege they have received threats of discharge and coercive interrogation by management after they collectively demanded higher pay, benefits, and protection in the workplace.

“We have had it! We have had enough of Swissport USA’s culture of intimidation and retaliation, when we speak up about our conditions at work,” said Jonathan Q. Rodriguez, Swissport USA ramp agent, in a statement. "Every one of us takes pride in our jobs and understands the vital role we play in maintaining one of our nation’s largest international hubs of travel and commerce."

A spokesperson for the airport said that there were no reported impacts in services as of Thursday afternoon.

Eight workers suspended by the company, as well as two recently-fired workers, were striking at LaGuardia Aiport's parking lot.

Last year, workers at 15 U.S. airports, including ones in Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City and Phoenix, rallied to draw attention to working conditions and legislation that would improve them.

Lawmakers including State Senators Jessica Ramos, Kristen Gonzalez, John Liu, City Council Member Francisco Moya, and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, joined the workers on Thursday.