CHICAGO (REUTERS) - Up to 500 airport workers at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport say they're ready to strike after Thanksgiving if they don't see an increase in wages and healthcare benefits.

The strike could affect holiday travelers trying to be with their families over the holidays.

Up to 500 Chicago O'hare airport workers say they're ready to walk off the job if they don't see at least US$15 (S$21) an hour, health benefits, and better working conditions.

"Today I'm speaking on behalf of all of them, over 500 of us voted yes to walk off the job to make our voices heard. We respect families traveling to be together and that's why we are holding off our strike until after the Thanksgiving holiday. Our strike will start on Tuesday after Thanksgiving, Nov 29th," United Airlines Terminal Baggage Handler Raquel Brito told reporters.

The Thanksgiving holiday is one of the busiest days annually for airline travel, and Chicago O'hare is one of the world's busiest as well.