Thousands of laid-off concession and retail workers at Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson, who work for City contractors there, are currently living in crisis due to COVID-19.  

The coronavirus is exploding like a bomb in the black community, creating a massive economic and health crisis. The vast majority of laid off Atlanta Airport concession and retail workers are black and low income. Laid off workers are trying to avoid contracting the virus, and are worried about how to pay for rent, food, bills, and health care.

This crisis is exacerbated by the fact that guaranteed health care for UNITE HERE members runs out after May 31,2020. Many other laid off concession and retail workers do not even have guaranteed health care coverage.

We know the road to economic recovery will be long. Some hospitality industry experts predict it to take anywhere from two to five years. The additional uncertainty of whether there will be a job and steady paycheck for workers to return to is deeply distressing. Will Airport workers get fired as a result of COVID-19?

The Atlanta Airport Worker Economic Essentials platform is crucial for our future!

We believe the first step in the right direction is passing “Protect Airport Jobs” legislation as part of our Key Economic Essentials for ATL Airport Concession and Retail Worker platform.

Protect Airport Jobs will ensure workers at Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport have the right to return to their jobs when this crisis passes.

This small step taken by your administration will help alleviate further worries and sleepless nights for thousands of laid off Airport concession and retail workers.

P.S. Will you add your name to our Atlanta Airport Worker Economic Essentials platform?