Phoenix Sky Harbor Workers Rally for Heat Relief and Essential Protections

PHOENIX — On Tuesday, service workers at Sky Harbor International Airport organized a protest, advocating for vital safety measures in light of this summer’s extreme heat. Their demonstration comes amid a spike in temperatures, marking the launch of Heat Week, an initiative striving for enhanced worker protection against heat exposure.

The coalition of workers emphasized that access to water should be recognized as a basic human right. They presented management with a list of demands, including essential provisions like cold water stations and designated cool areas for break times, as well as education on the hazards of heat illness.

Cecilia Ortiz, a passenger service agent among the protesters, voiced her concerns. “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,” Ortiz stated. “So, why are we still out here speaking on heat temperature on jet bridges?”

The urgency of the situation is underscored by a recent report of tragic fatalities among frontline workers, prompting community activists to highlight the dire need for effective heat safety regulations. March saw the city of Phoenix implement a heat safety ordinance mandating contract employers to ensure safer working environments.

City Councilwoman Betty Guardado announced plans to reach out to airport companies to request their strategies for addressing heat-related safety concerns. As of now, Sky Harbor Airport has not responded to inquiries about the protest.