Business Fallout: Airport jobs lost; Marriott furloughs

The rapid worldwide spread of the coronavirus since it was first revealed in China less than three months ago has dealt an unparalleled shock to the global economy.

Following are weekend business developments related to the outbreak as governments attempt to stabilize their economies, companies navigate through an altered landscape, and millions of people face job losses and interrupted goods and services.

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AIRPORT JOBS LOST: More than 1,500 contracted workers have been laid off from jobs at La Guardia, Newark Liberty International and John F. Kennedy International Airport, according to Local 32BJ of the Services Employees International Union, which represents more than 10,000 airport service workers in New York and New Jersey.

The union and more than 50 elected New York and New Jersey officials are demanding paid sick days, health care and layoff protections for contracted workers in any federal bailout for the airline industry, which requested more than $50 billion in rescue aid last week. Contracted workers make up 30% of airport workers nationwide, according to the union.

Luerica Fiffee, a JFK passenger service representative and mother of seven children, said she was laid off Thursday. “I have poured my heart and soul into this job,” Fiffee said in a tele-news conference. “We need people to take us seriously.”

Takiah Garrett, a passenger service representative at Newark, said she goes to work in fear of possible exposure to the virus and of losing her job. “I know I work in a high-risk job where I’m exposed but I need my job and I like my job. I need to keep a roof over my head and my kids,” said Garrett. “I could get laid off any minute.”

MARRIOTT FURLOUGHS: Marriott International Inc. said that it will furlough thousands of corporate...