About 100 non-union JFK Airport security officers say they voted Thursday to authorize a strike set for Thursday, Dec. 20.
It's the start of one of the busiest travel times of the year but it remains unclear how a walkout would impact travelers.
The workers who voted Thursday work for Air Serv. Workers at another company, Global Elite, plan a Friday vote.
The workers claim their companies are trying to silence them from complaining about passenger and worker security and safety concerns.
The security officers have previously complained about wages, benefits, and efforts to block unionizing. The workers handle security issues for the facilities, such as directing traffic in front of the terminals and making sure non-passenger areas like the tarmacs are secure.
Air Serv issued a statement to Fox 5 News saying: "These issues have only just come to our attention this week. We are now in the process of reviewing them. As our policies make clear, we value employees' input on matters of concern to them. Accordingly, we will be speaking with employees on these matters in the days and weeks to come."
Global Elite also issued a statement saying: "These are the actions of the service workers' union that is making false statements and allegations and not that of our employees. Our employees are and have always been our most valuable asset. Every level of management is in constant dialogue with our trained and professional field staff."
The security officers is being helped by Service Employees International Union Local 32BJ.
The union has also supported several other recent walk-outs by non-union workers at fast food restaurants and car washes.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which operates JFK Airport, did not comment on the possible strike.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 4:30 PM EDT2013-06-19 20:30:42 GMT
The FBI has found possible human remains in a dig at the New York City house once occupied by a famous gangster. An FBI spokesman confirmed Wednesday that agents found material that they want to test as part of an investigation.
The FBI has found possible human remains in a dig at the New York City house once occupied by a famous gangster. An FBI spokesman confirmed Wednesday that agents found material that they want to test as part of an investigation.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 7:07 AM EDT2013-06-19 11:07:13 GMT
Photo courtesy of @N42_21_W71_04)
Riders should anticipate some changes but "near normal" service on the Long Island Rail Road for the morning rush.
Riders should anticipate some changes but "near normal" service on the Long Island Rail Road for the morning rush. Crews have been working to repair tracks and switches after Monday's derailment.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:07 AM EDT2013-06-19 10:07:22 GMT
NYC
Nearly 3 million New Yorkers' homes are now in evacuation zones that cover more than a third of the city's population, under new maps released Tuesday.
Nearly 3 million New Yorkers' homes are now in evacuation zones that cover more than a third of the city's population, under new maps released Tuesday.In the wake of Superstorm Sandy, officials said last month, the number of zones would double and encompass about 600,000 more residents.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 9:50 PM EDT2013-06-19 01:50:52 GMT
FDNY photo via Twitter
Emergency responders rescued a worker who was trapped when a trench collapsed Tuesday evening at a Queens construction site that was supposed to be closed.
Emergency responders rescued a worker who was trapped when a trench collapsed Tuesday evening at a Queens construction site that was supposed to be closed.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 8:34 PM EDT2013-06-19 00:34:07 GMT
It's a sight that can trigger dread. The low-battery message appears on your cell phone when there's no charger around.
It's a sight that can trigger dread. The low-battery message appears on your cell phone when there's no charger around. Now New York City has teamed up with AT&T to install 25 solar powered charging stations over the summer.
