Unionized airport workers postponed a nationwide strike Tuesday to show solidarity with airport workers in Brussels in the wake of terrorist attacks that killed dozens and wounded hundreds.
The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) originally planned the strike for Tuesday and Wednesday. Baggage handlers, security personal and other airport workers have been protesting for higher wages and better workplace safety. The union, however, decided to suspend the strike after terrorists killed at least 30 and injured hundreds more Tuesday in Brussels. (VIDEO: Explained In Two Minutes: The Insane Rise Of ISIS)
“Our union takes seriously the need to ensure the safety and security of U.S. airports,” SEIU International Executive Vice President Valarie Long said. “SEIU strongly believes that airports, the Federal Aviation Administration and other stakeholders need to come together to develop national safety standards.”
Witnesses at Brussels Zaventem International Airport heard gunshots before multiple explosions went off. The Maelbeek Metro Station was then also hit. The airport and metro were shutdown before the government declared a high emergency alert.
“We stand in solidarity with the Brussels Airport workers and our thoughts and prayers are with the families that lost loved ones in this senseless tragedy,” Miami Airport Workers Legesse Woldearegay was quoted by the union as saying. “We must all work together to make our airports as safe as they can possibly be.”
Airport workers have engaged in a series of protest over the past few years over wages, working conditions and other demands. The SEIU and its local affiliates planned several nationwide strikes as well as protests at single airports. Airport workers across the country went on a hunger strike during Thanksgiving week. Six protesters were arrested at Logan International Airport in Boston after refusing to comply with state police Jan 18.
The SEIU did not respond to request for comment by The Daily Caller News Foundation.
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