Arrests at MSP as disabilities workers protest pay
The passenger drop-off area at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport was shut down for a short time Monday afternoon after protesters seeking higher wages and better disability services blocked the road.
Airport police arrested 13 protesters, three of whom they led away in wheelchairs. About 70 supporters and airport workers had attended the Metropolitan Airports Commission's board meeting on Monday afternoon to voice grievances about the low wages they say are paid to some airport workers who assist people with disabilities.
St. Paul Resident Darrell Paulsen was one of the protesters who chose to be arrested. He told the board that he's noticed the lack of resources that Delta Air Lines provides for people with disabilities. He said his wife, who is in a wheelchair, was dropped by those assisting her when she was pregnant with the couple's daughter.
"Do you feel that's OK?" Paulsen asked. "Would you think it was OK if it happened to your family?"
Create a More Connected Minnesota
MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.
Employee Abdi Ali said he's been working at the airport as a subcontractor for seven years, including helping to transport people in wheelchairs around the facility.
"We don't have sick pay, we don't have health insurance — you can't survive on $7.25 an hour," Ali said. "I have to support my family."
The protest was organized with the support of the Service Employees International Union Local 26. The SEIU has tried to organize low-paid airport workers across the country, and focused much of its energy on Delta.
Airport spokesperson Patrick Hogan said the airport would not take any actions against employees who protested.
He said the roadway was blocked off for about 30 minutes. He said airport officials diverted traffic to a lower level roadway by baggage claim during the protest.
Delta did not directly address protesters' concerns about low wages for employees working with people with disabilities, but a company spokesperson said in a statement that the airline is working to improve service to customers with disabilities by including more training for employees and updated technology.