Airport Workers Vote to Strike in Philadelphia During Democratic National Convention

— -- While police, hospitals and businesses are preparing to work overtime for the thousands of visitors descending upon Philadelphia for next week’s Democratic National Convention, one group is planning a picket line.

Baggage handlers, airport security workers, wheelchair attendants and aircraft cleaners at Philadelphia International Airport have voted to strike during the convention.

In addition to wanting to unionize, the workers want higher wages and better benefits and work schedules.

“It is not an easy decision to go on strike,” said Prospect wheelchair attendant, Erickson Tarlue. “We aren’t striking because we want to, we are striking because we have to.”

According to service workers union SEIU 32BJ, the airport workers are employed by subcontractors who work for the airlines.

Workers at the airport on Tuesday voted 461-5 in favor of striking. The union says as many as 1,000 workers could strike.

No date is set for the work-stop to begin, however SEIU 32BJ announced it would take place during the convention.

“The hardworking men and women at the airport exemplify everything that the DNC platform is about,” said Gabe Morgan, Vice President of 32BJ SEIU. “They are at the forefront of the fight to rebuild the middle class and address racial and economic disparities.”

A spokesperson for Philadelphia International Airport did not immediately respond to ABC News' request for comment.