Airline Catering Workers in Euless, Texas, File Signatures to Put Fair Overtime Law on the Ballot
Workers speak out against misuse of forced overtime by the largest private employer in Euless, Call on City of Euless for intervention
Euless, TX — Workers who prepare and deliver meals and beverages for flights at DFW Airport are leading the fight against forced overtime in the City of Euless. Today, workers delivered a petition of 1,500 voter signatures to Euless City Secretary’s office to qualify the Fair Overtime Law for the Euless ballot.
This legislation would require employers with over 200 employees to:
• Allow workers to decline overtime without penalty except in case of an emergency;
• In the case of emergency, pay a premium wage for forced overtime; and
• Provide a written work schedule ten days in advance
Airline caterer LSG Sky Chefs is the largest private employer in the City of Euless. Inspired by fair work week efforts nationally, the employees spoke with thousands of voters to gain support for the ballot measure.
“LSG Sky Chefs takes advantage of mandatory overtime. For some of us, forced overtime is mandated multiple times a week. It’s impossible for my coworkers to plan childcare and healthcare appointments,” said Euless resident and 6-year Sky Chefs employee Joyce Pobee. “Once this is on the ballot, I know that my neighbors in Euless will vote YES for us to have a choice to work overtime or not. We should be able to know when we can go home to our families.”
The City Secretary will now be counting signatures and has 10 days to validate them. Euless City Council will decide whether to enact the law or put the policy on an upcoming ballot for residents of Euless to vote on. The coalition, Euless Families for Fair Overtime Law, plans on ongoing campaigning to build support for the policy.