PHILADELPHIA – A few dozen baggage handlers, airplane cleaners and other non-union workers are striking at Philadelphia’s airport to protest what they say are low wages and unfair labour practices.

Workers who say they’re making as little as $7.25 an hour started picketing at Philadelphia International Airport starting early Thursday.

They airport says the strike hasn’t affected operations.

Protesters want 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 eastern airports, including Pittsburgh, Newark and Kennedy.

Prospect and PrimeFlight didn’t immediately return messages Thursday.