With an expired contract and negotiations at a standstill, Teamsters Local 174 members at Swissport could strike as soon as May 6

The number of aircraft moving through SeaTac airport could come to a screeching halt as soon as Tuesday, after 150 Teamsters working for Swissport vote to authorize a strike against their employer. The group of Teamsters Local 174 members work in the critical role as aircraft fuelers in a grueling and safety-critical job, and without their labor, a majority of the aircraft passing through SeaTac International Airport would be left without a way to get fuel.

*Airlines impacted by a strike would include: DELTA, ALASKA, HORIZON, FRONTIER, JETBLUE, UNITED, HAWAIIAN, SPIRIT, AEROMEXICO, AIRFRANCE AND AMERICAN AIRLINES.*

Negotiations have been ongoing for two months. While contract sticking points of course include economic issues, workers’ other demands are for basic human needs like a clean lunchroom, a place to park for work, lockers, and the opportunity to wash off the jet fuel from their clothing at the end of the day. Even these simple requests are ignored by a management team whose wage structure barely exceeds SeaTac minimum wage for many workers. Swissport is the largest provider of airport ground services in the world, with €3.7 billion in revenues in 2024.

“A strike is always a last resort, and that is especially true in an industry like this one where a strike would cause hardship for so many people,” said Teamsters Local 174 Secretary-Treasurer Rick Hicks. “However, that decision ultimately lies with Swissport management, who has a responsibility to come back to the bargaining table with an offer that respects our members. They work a physically demanding job in every type of weather, and Swissport’s success is entirely built upon their backs. If Swissport does not get serious about this contract, our members will be voting on Tuesday on whether to strike.”