Some Baggage Handlers to Walk Off Job at Philly International Thursday

Between 50 and 125 baggage handlers servicing several airlines at Philadelphia International Airport plan to walk off the job Thursday protesting low wages, the worker's union said.

The handlers work for PrimeFlight, an independent contractor that staffs baggage operations for US Airways Express, American Airlines and Philadelphia International Airport's international terminal, A West.

Julie Blust, spokeswoman for 32BJ SEIU, said the work stoppage is expected to run from 7 a.m. through noon. They will be demonstrating in front of Terminals B & C, she said.

The handlers are frustrated over low wages and the union says many make $7.25 an hour. Philadelphia voters approved a ballot question in May asking whether airport workers should see the minimum wage increased to $10.88 an hour. The union says that increase has not materialized.

It is still unclear how the work stoppage will affect travelers.

Officials at Philadelphia International Airport said they were still assessing the situation.

NBC10 also reached out to the airlines, but did not immediately hear back.

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