Outraged airport workers demand changes after passenger confronts gate agent

CHARLOTTE — As crowds come back to Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, some airport workers said that they do not feel like their safety is a priority. They are outraged over the dismissal of charges despite a recent incident, which was caught on camera.

A cellphone video shows a passenger getting into a fight with a gate agent.

[PAST COVERAGE: Video shows man’s confrontation with gate agent at Charlotte airport]

American Airlines wouldn’t let the man on the flight because they said he was drunk. Airline employees’ union president Donielle Prophete told the Charlotte City Council on Monday night that incidents like that are happening too often.

“My agents who have been put on the front line of these issues deserve to know their safety is a priority,” she said.

Prophete and other airline workers packed into Room 267 of the Government Center to express outrage at how the situation was handled. The passenger, Jason Greenland, of Georgia, was originally charged with disorderly conduct, resisting a public officer and trespassing.

The charges were dismissed because prosecutors said there is a backlog, which was created by COVID-19, and they need court time to prosecute more serious cases.

“We believe this decision to not prosecute this case sends a clear message to travelers that there are no consequences to actions to airline workers in the Charlotte-Douglas International Airport,” she said.

A gate agent filed simple assault charges against Greenland. Prophete said charges should have been on the table in the first place.

“Too many times, the victims of these assaults are left to sort it out creating an extra burden besides the assault,” she said. “We must ensure it is a safe place to work and that your constituents and neighbors working there can do their vital duties with no concern.”

The comments were made during a public forum. The Charlotte City Council policy states council members do not engage in immediate commentary after the remarks.

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Mayor Pro Tem Julie Eiselt offered a brief comment that airline employee safety is important.

“I do appreciate all of the airport employees for what you are going through,” she said.

An email to the city of Charlotte for comment was not immediately returned.

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