Disability rights advocates protest at Minneapolis airport

Published 10:02 am Tuesday, June 17, 2014

MINNEAPOLIS — Police at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport have arrested 13 people during a protest seeking higher wages and better disability services.

The passenger drop-off area was briefly closed Monday after protesters blocked the road. Reports said three demonstrators were led away in wheelchairs.

About 70 supporters and airport workers attended the Metropolitan Airports Commission’s board meeting to voice grievances about low wages they say are paid to some airport workers who assist people with disabilities.

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The protest was organized with support from Service Employees International Union Local 26. The union has tried to organize low-paid airport workers across the country, and focused much of its energy on Delta Air Lines.

Delta said the airline is working to improve service to customers with disabilities by including more training for employees and updated technology.