MSP Airport concession workers vote to authorize strike

Delaware North concession workers at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport have voted to authorize a strike.

Delaware North employs roughly 70 workers, represented by Unite Here 17, at the airport. The union announced on Monday that 100% of members voted in favor of the authorization, which could result in a strike being called as early as Oct. 31.

“Minnesota is very expensive. The cost of living is so high, especially rent which is my biggest expense," Agnes Jebadai, a baker for Delaware North at the airport, said in a statement. "I work two part-time jobs and only sometimes have money left after I pay my bills. But I have to provide for my daughter and my mom who lives with me. That’s why I voted yes to strike."

The union members are covered by a national agreement that will expire on Halloween. The union says workers are looking for free health insurance and wage increases in their new contract "so they don't have to choose between paying the rent and putting food on the table."

The average wage for Delaware North employees at MSP Airport is $19 per hour, according to the union. Unite Here has not revealed how much of a wage increase is sought in the new contract.

Delaware North did not respond to a request for comment.

The union represents Delaware North employees at 18 U.S. airports, including Fort Lauderdale and Austin, where a strike authorization passed in August. Unite Here says that more authorization votes could come soon if an agreement is not reached.

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