COPY-Philly airport workers strike, protest wages and benefits

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Baggage handlers, airplane cleaners and other non-union workers at Philadelphia's airport have called a strike to protest what they say are low wages and unfair labor practices.

Organizers say they expect more than 500 workers to picket at Philadelphia International Airport starting early Thursday.

Workers say they're making as little as $7.25 an hour.

They want their employers, airline contractors Prospect Airport Services and PrimeFlight Airline Services, to comply with a living wage law passed last year that requires pay of $10.88 or more per hour at city-owned facilities.

They're also calling for affordable health benefits and sick days.

Service Employees International Union has been trying to organize workers at Philadelphia and at other East Coast airports, including Pittsburgh, Newark and Kennedy.

Prospect and PrimeFlight didn't immediately return messages Thursday.