Coronavirus Latest: More Than 600 Philadelphia International Airport Contractors Being Laid Off, Union Says
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Some workers at Philadelphia International Airport are expected to receive layoff notices today. About 1,000 workers are represented by 32BJ SEIU.
They include cabin cleaners, wheelchair aides, skycaps, and some baggage handlers.
"This week, airlines asked the government to give them a $50 billion bailout in the form of loans, grants and tax relief. The contracted airport workers are given nothing," 32BJ SEIU for Pennsylvania and Delaware Vice President Gabe Morgan said in a statement. "They earn the least and live in the city's most impoverished neighborhoods. Many lack healthcare to even care for themselves in the face of this pandemic."
The workers do not work for the airlines, but companies contracted by the airlines.
The Pennsylvania Health Department announced 52 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the statewide total to 185. Philadelphia announced 10 new cases, bringing the total number in the city to 44.
Gov. Tom Wolf reported the first coronavirus death in the state on Wednesday -- an adult in Northampton County.
The number of cases rose to 47 in Montgomery County, 14 in Delaware County, 12 in Bucks County, and 10 in Chester County.
All of the patients are either in isolation at home or being treated at the hospital.
