Sea-Tac refuelers await permission to strike

A federal judge is expected to decide this week whether refuelers at Sea-Tac airport will be allowed to strike over safety concerns.

U.S. District Judge James L. Robart heard arguments from attorneys representing both sides Wednesday morning.

The non-union workers who refuel planes for Alaska Airlines have expressed concern over the safety of equipment and claim an employee was retaliated against for bringing the issue to their employer, ASIG (Aircraft Service International, Inc.).

In August, Alex Popescu testified before the Port of Seattle and presented photos of what he said was faulty equipment, including refueling trucks with bad brakes, leaky hoses, and poorly maintained ladders.

Fellow workers authorized a strike after they say Popescu was suspended in retaliation.

“It’s very serious when you have people that are handling 5,000 gallons of jet fuel, and they feel like their equipment is unsafe and they do not feel like they have the opportunity to correct that safety,” said Thea Levkovitz of Working Washington.

ASIG said they would conduct their own internal investigation into safety concerns, but cited an independent Federal Aviation Administration investigation that resulted in a clean inspection report.

“The safety of our employees and our operations is paramount,” said Tim Ramsey, ASIG senior vice president, sales and marketing. “We actively promote a safe work environment and will aggressively investigate any allegations made.”

ASIG filed a federal lawsuit in early October to prevent workers from walking off the job. The company, which contracts fuel services with Alaska Airlines, claims a strike could cause major delays in air travel.

A spokesperson for the airline said they have a contingency plan should workers strike.