Traffic & Transit

Catering Employees At Newark Airport Mourn Infected Co-Workers

Airport catering workers are demanding safer conditions before they return to the job. Dozens of their peers have tested positive for COVID.

Catering workers at Newark Airport are demanding safer conditions before they return to the job. Dozens of their peers have tested positive for COVID-19.
Catering workers at Newark Airport are demanding safer conditions before they return to the job. Dozens of their peers have tested positive for COVID-19. (Photo: Unite Here Local 100, used with permission)

NEWARK, NJ — Just a few months ago, about 1,000 catering workers made their living at Newark Liberty International Airport, fixing food and drinks for departing flights and removing garbage from arrivals. Now – after dozens of their peers tested positive for the new coronavirus – workers are demanding safer conditions before they return to the job.

Last week, about 60 airport employees gathered outside the United Airlines catering facility at Newark Airport to honor co-workers who have died from COVID-19.

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According to a statement from their union, Unite Here Local 100, four United Catering workers have died from COVID-19 and at least 42 have tested positive as of May 13.

“Workers don’t know where they contracted the virus or if they were working at the time, but want expanded cleaning and protective measures to ensure the safety of all who work in the facility,” the union stated.

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“I took part in this action to honor my coworkers who passed away from the virus,” said Karenina Cortez, who has worked for United Catering for nearly four years.

“We also came here to send a message that we want to work, but we want to do so with all reasonable safety measures implemented so we can feel confident coming into work,” Cortez said.

Unite Here represents about 1,000 people employed in airline catering for United Airlines at Newark Airport. The majority of them are currently not working, spokespeople said.

“It is with deep sadness that I offer my sincere condolences to the families, friends, and coworkers of these United catering employees,” U.S. Sen. Cory Booker said, adding that their deaths are a “somber reminder” that workers are putting their own lives on the to keep essential services and businesses open.

“We must do everything possible to ensure that our airports are safe for workers and passengers alike,” Booker urged.

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Since the coronavirus outbreak, airlines – including United – have taken a range of measures aimed at protecting staff and passengers.

According to United, the airline has implemented electrostatic spraying into its cleaning procedures on all inbound, long-haul international flights and mainline overnight aircraft at its U.S. hubs.

In addition, aircraft are cleaned at a variety of touchpoints throughout the day. The cleaning procedure for flights includes a “thorough wipe down” using a high-grade disinfectant, as well as a multi-purpose cleaning of lavatories, galleys, tray tables, seatback screens, seat belts, window shades and armrests.

On April 24, United became the first major U.S.-based airline to require its flight attendants to wear a face mask while on duty. On May 4, United is expanded its policy to include all of its frontline workers while they're aboard an aircraft, including pilots, customer service agents and ramp workers.

Earlier this month, United Airlines announced that most passengers will be required to wear face masks, too.

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