ORLANDO, Fla. —They’re fighting for 15. Passenger Service Workers at the Orlando International Airport believe they deserve more money, and they rallied at the airport for it on Wednesday.

The demand comes just weeks after Disney World agreed to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour for its cast members and a day after Orlando International Airport announced that July passenger traffic hit a record high.

The airport said 4.2 million travelers went through the airport that month, about 4,000 more than the previous year, and on average, the airport sees about 13,211 more passengers a day compared to the same time last year.

The types of airport employees wanting the wage raises are wheelchair attendants, baggage handlers and ramp workers. 

 Jorge Planas, 79, a wheelchair attendant, has been working at the Orlando International Airport for 46 years. Despite the lengthy time he’s put in, he’s still only making $5.26 an hour plus tips.

“It’s really bad,” he said.

Workers like Planas gathered at the airport with politicians like U.S. Representative Darren Soto, State Senator Vic Torres and State Representative Amy Mercado and Candidate for Lieutenant Governor Chris King, to make it a point that they’re fighting for change.

They created signs that read: “Poverty Doesn’t Fly.” calling to raise the minimum wage to $15.

 

The union that organized this rally, 32BJ SEIU, released a report that shows 78 percent of those surveyed earn less than $20,000 annually.

"These are the first faces that you see, they smile at you, they take your bags, they welcome you to Disney and Universal and other touristy places,” said Ana Tinsly the spokesperson for 32BJ SEIU. “So we should make sure at the very least that they’re treated and paid, at the very least to have a fair share in the profits that are made in this industry.”

These airline worker are hired by subcontractors that follow minimum wages for tipped employees.

The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, the governmental entity that operates the airport, said they’re looking into it.  

“If we went to a $15 an hour sustainable wage, so we then say there will be no tipping at the airport? And you suddenly have people say no no no-- wait wait wait, because I am making a ton more with my tips,” said Frank Kruppenbacher, the chairman of GOAA. “So until I see all the facts, I don't think either I or any board member can tell you what we would or wouldn't do.”

Workers peacefully marched to the GOAA office to also drop off the union’s report.

Planas has had it tough lately. In a matter of 6 months, he lost his son and later his wife. But he still hasn’t lost out hope that his wage may go up.

“I want the airport to change something. Because $5 and 20-odd cents doesn’t cut it,” he added.

The GOAA said they received the union report and they are currently conducting an independent review of it. The review will be presented to the GOAA board on Oct. 10.