Protest at Sky Harbor Airport Demands Heat Protections for Workers
A group of airport service workers at Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix took to the streets on Tuesday to demand basic protections for workers amid scorching summer temperatures.
The protesters are advocating for the safety of workers during the hottest months of the year, as part of their efforts during Heat Week. This week-long event involves coordinated initiatives across different movements to push for better protections for workers and to establish access to water as a fundamental human right.
During the protest, the workers presented a letter outlining their demands to airport management. Cecilia Ortiz, a passenger service agent at the airport, highlighted the importance of simple measures like access to cold water, sheltered break areas, and heat illness training to ensure a safer working environment.
According to a news release from the groups involved, the workers are facing a heat emergency, citing recent tragic deaths of frontline workers that could potentially have been prevented with adequate heat protections.
Earlier this year, Phoenix passed a heat safety ordinance requiring contractors to provide safer working conditions for their employees. Councilwoman Betty Guardado has announced plans to reach out to companies operating at the airport to request their heat safety plans.
Despite reaching out for comment, Sky Harbor has not responded to inquiries regarding the protesters’ demands.
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