When Democrats arrive in Philadelphia later this month for their party’s convention, they might be met by a picket line.
Workers at the Philadelphia International Airport voted Tuesday to go on strike during the Democratic National Convention, which is scheduled to be held July 25-28.
As many as 1,000 workers — including baggage handlers and airplane cleaners — could walk off the job and participate in the strike. Among other things, the workers are seeking improved benefits and schedules, as well as an ability to unionize.
Although the workers intend to strike during the convention, no precise dates have been set.”
A representative for the Democratic National Convention Committee did not respond to a request for comment.
The strike could pose a logistical nightmare for a city that will be teeming with thousands of delegates, activists, reporters and security personnel.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson will travel to Cleveland on Friday ahead of next week’s Republican National Convention. He will head to Philadelphia for the DNC the following week.
Johnson said at a House Homeland Security Committee hearing Thursday that the Department of Homeland Security will deploy about 300 security personnel to each convention.
The personnel will be made up of Secret Service, Homeland Security investigators, customs and border patrol, Transportation Security Administration and other agencies.
Johnson said he is “concerned about the prospect of demonstrations getting out of hand” at the conventions.