UPDATE: The union representing security officers at DIA said in a press release on Monday, Nov. 1, that the planned strike was called off after successful negotiations this weekend. The new agreement includes raises for security officers.
Security officers at Denver International Airport are planning to strike on Tuesday, Nov. 2, following unsuccessful contract negotiations demanding higher pay.
A release from the Law Enforcement Officers Security Unions, the union representing security officers at DIA, said a breakdown in negotiations with High-risk Security Services, or HSS, led to the strike approval. KDVR reported the officers have been seeking higher pay and improved work conditions.
Law Enforcement Officers Security Unions Organizing Director Steve Maritas said the union represents 186 workers at DIA. Union members who provide security at the Webb Municipal Building City and County Building will also strike Tuesday, which is Election Day. Maritas said he estimates the municipal building has as many as 75 security guards. The release from the union said that while those guards provide security for the city, the strike is specifically against HSS, not the city.
"We apologize in advance for any inconvenience this may cause you or the voters this coming Tuesday, November 2nd Election day," a statement from the union read.
A permit request filed with Denver International Airport suggests up to 200 picketers will be present at the airport.
The planned strike comes as DIA faces long security lines and travel ramps up for the holiday season, which DIA CEO Phil Washington last week said would be tough for travelers. The airport is facing capacity limits and labor shortages, all while passenger traffic is expected to surpass pre-pandemic levels by early next year.
DIA spokesperson Alex Renteria said in a statement to Denverite that the airport is aware negotiations are underway between DIA's security guard contractor, HSS, and the union representing those workers.
"We are monitoring these discussions as to what, if any, the impact to DEN might be," Renteria said in a statement. "HSS has a contingency plan and we are preparing accordingly with the hope that they are able to resolve their outstanding issues quickly."
Also starting on Nov. 2: Transportation Security Administration checkpoints will look a bit different. TSA spokesperson Lorie Dankers said this announcement is not related to the planned security strike, officers' duties are unrelated to TSA.
The changes include moving dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes to the north security checkpoints, though Dankers said it's possible PreCheck will still be available at the south security checkpoint, where most people are used to seeing it. The north security checkpoint includes lanes for people with one carry-on bag, airplane premium access lanes and a limited number of general screening lanes.
Janitors at DIA went on a one-day strike earlier this month.
This story has been updated throughout to include additional information from the Law Enforcement Officers Security Unions.
