Airline workers demonstrate at SLO Airport for increased pay and safer working conditions from American Airlines subsidiary

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. - A group of union members who work for a subsidiary of American Airlines demonstrated Monday at San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport.

Members with Communications Workers of America (CWA) are demanding Piedmont Airlines, a subsidiary of American Airlines, held a rally to demand better pay, health care for part-time employees, and improved workplace safety conditions.

"We're doing an informational picket for, Piedmont Airlines," said Tom Garza, CWA 9423 Area Steward. "We're here due to the ongoing contract negotiations since September last year. It's been over a year and we're very far apart and being far apart in the bargaining with."

The demonstration lasted several hours, running from the morning into the mid-afternoon. Workers could seen Monday morning holding signs around the parking lots adjacent to the airport terminal.

"We're letting the public know and management know that CWA means business," said Garza. "We're trying to get this contract negotiated. These are frontline workers. They're their ramp agents, ticket agents, baggage handlers, every day, hands-on employees who are the backbone of Piedmont Air. All they're asking for is fair wages and healthcare and safety. Safety is a big item. There are some safety items that we're currently working on right now that are very, detrimental to some of the airline workers."

News Channel 3-12 reached out to Piedmont Airlines for a response to Monday's demonstration and received a statement that read in full:

"Piedmont values the work that our more than 7,500 ground handling team members do to take care of our customers and each other every day. We are currently in active discussions with the CWA to make sure our employees feel fully supported and cared for, both by the union and by our organization. These conversations cover important topics, including fair wages, and we are committed to reaching an agreement that reflects the needs and well-being of our team. We’re optimistic that together, we’ll achieve an outcome everyone can feel proud of."

Airport officials point out the demonstration does not involve San Luis Obispo County, which operates the facility, or the airport itself.

"Today's demonstrations that you see out in front of the airport are strictly between the air carriers and their operators," said Courtney Pene, San Luis Obispo County Airport Deputy Director, Planning and Outreach. "Passengers saw normal levels of service and normal levels of customer service here at the airport and no impacts to passengers and flights."

The union said no additional demonstrations are planned at the current moment, but could take place in the future if contract negotiations continue to drag on.