The workers, whose jobs include service skycaps, baggage handlers, wheelchair attendants, security personnel and airplane cabin cleaners, want improved training, higher wages and access to family health care, said Lily Wang, a spokeswoman for Service Employees International Union.
The union represents about 2,000 workers at San Francisco International Airport. Approximately half are in contract negotiations, and 500 of the workers, who are employed by PrimeFlight Aviation Services and G2 Secure Staff, are voting today whether to strike, Wang said.
A spokesman for Airport Workers United, a local chapter of the statewide union, said there is "a pretty good chance" the workers will vote to authorize a strike.
"The workers really want to take a stand for improved quality of service and security at the airports," union spokesman Mike Chavez said.
Voting began at 5 a.m. and is expected to last until about 9 p.m. in order to ensure workers on all shifts will be able to vote. The ballot box is set up on the departure curb in front of American Airlines, Chavez said.
Officials at PrimeFlight Aviation Services and G2 Secure Staff were not available for comment.
