Airplane cleaners at Phila. Int'l concerned over Ebola
PHILADELPHIA -- Travelers coming from Ebola-impacted nations in West Africa are no longer coming through Philadelphia International Airport- but getting re-routed elsewhere.
Still on Wednesday, the workers who clean the planes at PHL held a news conference to lay out their concerns about their health and safety - on the outside chance Ebola does turn up here.
A handful of airport workers joined union representatives outside the departures terminal.
These airport employees work for subcontractors hired by the airlines to clean the planes. They said they often come into contact with bodily fluids - and they fear - infectious diseases such as Ebola.
"The truth is we were facing bad conditions before Ebola hit and we will face them long after Ebola is eradicated," said Tommy Rodney, cabin cleaner.
They are demanding the airport, airlines, and the private cleaning companies they work for find a way to supply them with the same protective gear provided to healthcare workers dealing with the Ebola virus.
"When we clean the airplane cabin, we have no masks, we have no goggles, we have no facial shields, we have no shoe covers, we have no waterproof gowns," said Anthony Reynolds, cabin cleaner.
"We want management to equip them with the tools to do their jobs - equip them with the tools to keep them safe," said Councilman Curtis Jones.
The airplane cleaners are trying to unionize. Along with their concerns about Ebola, they also talked about inadequate pay and other safety concerns.
"They are trying to organize to get the training they need to do their jobs safely," said Gabe Morgan, 32BJ SEIU.
Philadelphia International Airport told Action News these are not their employees and that we should talk to the airlines.
American Airlines, the parent company of US Airways, sent us a statement saying they are strictly adhering to CDC guidelines.
Many of these workers work for a company called Prospect Airport Services and the company did not respond to our inquiry.
