Union jobs endangered at San Diego Airport

As part of its terminal redevelopment, the San Diego Airport Authority is considering subcontracting hundreds of jobs at its concession stands, souvenir shops and restaurants throughout San Diego International Airport.  This action could eliminate the jobs of union workers affiliated with UFCW Local 135 and other unions in San Diego. These workers have given more than a decade of service to travelers coming in and out of SAN,” Local 135 President Mickey Kasparian said.  Kasparian also serves as the president of the San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council.

“The UFCW and other unions are not calling for the airport authority to halt all renovation and refurbishment efforts,” Kasparian said. “All we want is a worker retention plan for the union members who currently work
at Lindbergh Field.”  UFCW Local 135 urges all union members in San Diego to support their brothers and sisters by signing a petition at  www.KeepSDAirportWorking.info. The petition calls for a transition plan to ensure that hundreds of union members at SAN can keep their jobs.  Airports across America, including those in Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York City, have similar worker retention agreements.

“These agreements have kept union jobs safe through the many mergers and other changes the airline industry has undergone in the last decade,” Kasparian said. “They also help maintain levels of experience, quality and revenue for the airport.”

The Airport Authority plans to vote on the subcontracting plan on Nov. 4. UFCW Local 135 advises all union members in San Diego to sign the petition and contact their union representatives to see how they can help.

“Get involved to make sure San Diego stays a union town,” Kasparian said.