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On Verge Of Year's Busiest Travel Time, Some Airport Workers Plan To Walk Off The Job

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Some workers at Philadelphia International Airport plan to walk off the job, tonight at 10:30.

They're protesting what they say is poor treatment by employers.

The strike involves baggage handlers, cabin cleaners and other support workers.

The action comes just in advance of the busiest travel time of the year, but Gabe Morgan of the Service Employees Union-- which seeks to represent the workers-- says the action is not intended to disrupt travel.

"These workers certainly know and understand how important it is to other people to get to work and for everyone to make a living, and part of the reason why they're doing this is they're just hoping to be treated in a fair way and to be able to work their way out of poverty."

Morgan says previous job actions have helped increase their wages to $12 an hour but some workers aren't yet receiving that, and some are being harassed and intimidated for their activism.

At least one contractor contests those claims. Prospect Air says all its employees receive at least $12 an hour; that while tipped employees, such as wheelchair attendants, receive a lower base pay rate, their wages are increased, if their tips fall short, to insure they make that amount.

In an emailed statement, the spokeswoman also states, "We have a dedicated HR manager on site who is accessible to all employees. We encourage any individual who feels they have been treated unfairly to seek HR assistance immediately so that any concerns may be promptly addressed."

McGinn Security declined comment and Prime Flight did not respond.

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