PHOENIX — A group of airport service workers at Sky Harbor International Airport held a protest Tuesday to demand basic protections amid record-breaking temperatures this summer.
The group wants to ensure the safety of workers during the hottest months of the year. The protest follows the launch of Heat Week.
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The week-long event marks a series of coordinated, cross-movement efforts that aim to bring about more protections for workers. It also aims to declare access to water as a basic human right.
The workers brought a letter with their demands to management at the airport.
Cecilia Ortiz, who works as a passenger service agent at the airport, was one of the protesters.
”Making our workplace safer in this deadly heat is so very simple; easy access to cold water, a cool place to take a break and training in heat illness," said Ortiz. "So, why are we still out here speaking on heat temperature on jet bridges.”
A news release from the groups said: "Workers are facing a heat emergency, exemplified by multiple recent, tragic deaths of frontline workers on the job, which may have been preventable with adequate heat protections."
In March, Phoenix passed a heat safety ordinance requiring contractors to provide safer conditions for their workers.
Councilwoman Betty Guardado said she plans to send a letter to companies operating out of the airport, asking them to provide the city with their plans for heat safety.
Sky Harbor has not responded to our request for comment.
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