ELIZABETH, NJ — Airline catering workers at Newark Liberty International Airport, employed by Gate Gourmet, are voicing their concerns over extreme heat conditions on the job, highlighting the lack of working air conditioning in some of their trucks. A press conference was held with their union, UNITE HERE Local 100, New Jersey Senator Joseph Cryan, Assemblywoman Annette Quijano, and advocacy groups such as Make the Road New Jersey, to push for the passing of the New Jersey Heat Standard A-3521/S-2422.
These workers, responsible for transporting and unloading catering carts for airlines, including United Airlines, face physically demanding tasks directly on the tarmac—a harsh environment especially during summer. The proposed legislation, A-3521/S-2422, seeks to mandate that New Jersey employers establish heat-illness and injury-prevention plans to protect workers in extreme heat conditions.
Senator Joseph Cryan emphasized the urgency of safeguarding workers from heat-related illnesses, stating that it is crucial to prioritize the health and safety of those essential to airport operations. Workers like Luis Ferrer and Alveiro Arango shared personal accounts of the difficulties they endure, including symptoms of dizziness and concerns over the potential dangers of operating vehicles under such conditions.
Moreover, the union highlighted ongoing issues with high healthcare premiums at Gate Gourmet, making it difficult for many workers to afford necessary insurance. With a potential strike looming by July 30, these workers are advocating not only for better heat protections but also for improved healthcare benefits under a new union contract.
The push for the New Jersey Heat Standard is part of a broader effort to enhance safety standards for workers across various industries in the state, aiming to prevent heat-related incidents and ensure a safer working environment.
