United Says Bag Problem Is Improving, But Contractor May Worry Employees
DENVER (CBS4) - Baggage delays may be getting better for United Airlines passengers at Denver International Airport.
But a United retiree who feels compelled to speak on behalf of baggage workers says employees are caught in a lurch.
Many travelers have had to wait hours, especially around the holidays, to retrieve their luggage. Ramp workers provided CBS4 with photos that show piles of luggage stacked up on carts, in storage and on the tarmac.
The airline said part of the problem is due to a contractor, Simplicity, it hired to handle luggage.
The contractor, part of a British firm, has taken over the job of handling United Express ramp duties. It has airline employees worried about their jobs.
Blancett is asking the city of Denver to act: "Either raise the minimum wage to make outsourcing unattractive or create an airline-airport outsourcing fee."
Simplicity is seeking employees in Denver while United has asked its employees to assist in the baggage backlog by volunteering. In a flier obtained by CBS4, the airline says: "DEN needs our help ASAP! DEN is looking for volunteers to work this weekend."
The flier said hotel and travel would be provided for volunteers.
"The employees are scared for their jobs," said Blancett, who calls herself an activist for United retirees. "They don't see that they have a future because United Airlines has already started outsourcing at least 12 stations for over 1,000 workers."
Blancett said that United employees are not allowed to speak to the media, so she said she is speaking for them.
"They can lose their jobs," she said.
A United spokesman said the airline has put every resource available to assist Simplicity and that the situation is improving.
