United Airlines workers demanded on Wednesday that the company close and clean its catering facility at New Jersey's Newark Liberty International Airport after four workers died from coronavirus.
About 60 workers from Unite Here Local 100 rallied outside of the facility, calling for more protocols to protect catering employees from COVID-19.
"I took part in this action to honor my coworkers who passed away from the virus," said Karenina Cortez, a United Catering worker. "We also came here to send a message to United Airlines that we want to work, but we want to do so with all reasonable safety measures implemented so we can feel confident coming into work."
At least 42 United Catering employees at Newark have tested positive for coronavirus.
"The health and safety of New Jersey's workers is of paramount importance, especially during these uncertain times," said Gov. Murphy. "I stand with workers across our state as they fight for adequate protective equipment, increased access to health care and enhanced cleaning protocols ... We must encourage employers to take that to heart and treat their employees with the consideration and dignity they deserve."
Unite Here Local 100 represents nearly 7,000 workers at Port Authority airports. About 1,000 of those employees work in airline catering at United Airlines in Newark, preparing food and beverages for departing flights and disposing of garbage and cleaning carts from arrivals.
"It is with deep sadness that I offer my sincere condolences to the families, friends and coworkers of these United catering employees," said Sen. Cory Booker. "We must do everything possible to ensure that our airports are safe for workers and passengers alike."
