Orlando airport workers rally for higher wages

ORLANDO, Fla. — Last week leaders of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority voted not to increase wages for its contract workers, but those workers are not letting that decision end the conversation.

Monday morning, some airport workers used Martin Luther King Jr. Day as an opportunity to push for more money.

"It's the day that we remember our fearless civil rights leader who fought and was assassinated fighting for low wage workers," said Helene O'Brien, state director of union 32BJ SEIU.

The union said 78% of the contract workers are making less than $20,000 a year.

They said some make a little as $5.25 an hour plus tips.

City Commissioner Bakari Burns said he hopes the airport will follow the example of the city with its contract workers.

“I am encouraged because our mayor, Buddy Dyer, has laid out the pathway for all of city of Orlando employees to get paid, whether they’re full-time or part-time, at least $15 an hour,” Burns said.

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