Members of 32BJ SEUI held a rally at Logan Airport Friday to mark International Women’s Day and make demands largely directed at Flight Services and Systems (FSS) and Massport, to end what many describe as unfair practices, including wage theft.
Workers accuse FSS of unlawful pay practices and demand they address issues such as pay equity and sexual harassment.
Many of the workers are immigrants with more than one job. They include wheelchair attendants, baggage handlers, security officers and cleaners employed by FSS at Logan Airport.
There are currently 11 pending complaints at the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office alleging minimum wage violations, failure to provide break time and other miscellaneous unpaid time.
Janet Quiros, an airport worker who attended Friday’s rally, told NBC10 Boston that she was forced to quit one of her two jobs because her employer cut her hours and tried to force her to work an overnight shift. She said they overnight shift would have meant she wouldn’t sleep.
Boston City Counselor Lydia Edwards told NBC 10 Boston holding the rally on International Women’s Day carried deep meaning.
"When we are celebrating women’s history, we must acknowledge the still struggles that go on and on this particular day in this particular location as the coming together of all of those things it is important that we highlight the struggle continues," Edwards said.
Local
In-depth news coverage of the Greater Boston Area.
A Massport spokesperson issued a statement in response to the rally: "Massport respects the rights of all the employees who work at our facilities and has taken multiple steps to hold CSOs (contracted service operators) at Logan Airport accountable."
Massport also said go if any violations are found the company takes appropriate actions and notifies the appropriate authorities.
