Business Editors/Travel Editors
SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--November 28, 2007--As the nation continues to examine strategies for improving airport security, a new information source, Prospect-Watch.com, was launched today by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Airport Workers United. Prospect-Watch.com has been established to provide airports, airlines and air travelers with more information about the company that provides critical airport security and passenger service contract services to 14 airports nationwide including San Francisco International Airport, Detroit Metropolitan Airport, and O’ Hare International Airport.
According to SEIU, Prospect Airport Services has a pattern of problems including security issues, safety concerns, alleged unlawful treatment of workers and alleged violation of living wage ordinances as shown by Prospect Watch’ s analysis of public documents, press reports, and surveys of employees that paint a picture of an irresponsible contractor. Recently, Prospect employees at SFO voted overwhelmingly to conduct an unfair labor practice strike that can now start at any time.
Prospect was one of two airport contractors at O’ Hare International Airport who failed to shred sensitive employee files in their trash, according to a CBS News investigation and report. The filesincluded airport security badge applications and numbers and FBI fingerprints, as well as social security numbers and birth certificates. This type of information could allow unauthorized persons access to secured areas at the airport.
“Clearly, high quality security at our nation’ s airports is critical. When airlines contract with a company like Prospect Airport Services, security is taking a back seat. We simply can’ t afford contracting that responsibility to a company like Prospect,” said Brian Rudiger, with Prospect Watch.
In addition to the security lapses, Prospect is facing a formal complaint filed with the Department of Transportation for alleged failure to provide adequate training and properly maintain equipment, in violation of the Air Carrier Access Act.
Many airlines, such as United, Cathay Pacific, and Alaska, have outsourced jobs once performed by airline personnel to contractors like Prospect. “Airlines can contract out these jobs, but they can’ t contract out their responsibility to ensuring that our airports and passengers are safe,” said Rudiger.
For more details, visit www.Prospect-Watch.com
Prospect Watch and www.Prospect-Watch.com are produced by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), wholly independent of Prospect Airport Services.
SEIU Local 1877Lily Wang, 510-553-1877 ext. [email protected]
State Keywords: CaliforniaIndustry Keywords: Transport; Air; Travel; Transportation; Public Policy/Government; Homeland Security; LaborSource: SEIU Local 1877
