Strike at O'Hare Airport Set to Begin Wednesday Night

Chicago, IL - O'Hare International Airport is one of eight airports across the country where workers who usually clean, provide security, attend wheelchairs and handle baggage are planning to leave their posts for 24 hours.

The worker strike at O'Hare in protest of labor practices is set to begin at 10 p.m. Wednesday, and a rally will take place at 8 a.m. Thursday between terminals 2 and 3, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35th) and Ald. Anthony Napolitano (41st) are expected to join workers at the rally.

Owen Kilmer, deputy commissioner of communications for the Chicago Department of Aviation, said the department does not anticipate the job action will have any effect on airport operations.

"We will continue to ensure that Chicago’s airports are safe and secure for our passengers and employees, while working to enhance the customer experience," Kilmer said in a statement.

The strikes were originally scheduled for March 22, but plans changed after the terror attacks in Brussels, Belgium. The Service Employees International Union canceled the strikes out of respect for the victims.

Workers are demanding better wages, union rights and better emergency preparedness, according to the Washington Post, and Chicago workers are calling for more training for security officers.

Sadaf Subijano, a security officer at O’Hare, told the Washington Post the Brussels attacks should serve as a wake-up call.

“We need critical training to protect ourselves, other workers and our passengers when emergencies happen.”

Strikes are also planned at Newark Liberty, JFK, LaGuardia and Washington’s Reagan National.