Gallego, Colleagues Reintroduce Legislation to Strengthen Supports for Airport Service Workers

WASHINGTON – Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) joined his colleagues in reintroducing the Good Jobs for Good Airports Act, legislation that would improve wages and working conditions for airport service workers. The legislation would also support working families and help stabilize the air travel industry as airlines pocket record profits while airport service workers remain stuck at minimum wage. “Every Arizonan deserves to be fairly compensated for their hard work, including the men and women who keep our airports running smoothly,” said Senator Gallego . “ The Good Jobs for Good Airports Act invests in airports that invest in their workers, ensuring airports are economic hubs not just for travelers, but for the communities they’re located in. I’m proud to help reintroduce this legislation.” The legislation is led in the Senate by Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) and in the House by Representatives Chuy García (IL-04) and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01). Full text of the legislation is available HERE . “I’ve given years of my life to this airport, keeping planes clean and passengers safe — and I still can’t afford to take my kids to the doctor,” said Nicole Ray, a wheelchair agent at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. “Something is deeply wrong when the airlines I serve are posting record profits while I’m choosing between groceries and medicine. It’s time for Congress to decide whose side they’re on and pass the Good Jobs for Good Airports Act .” The Good Jobs for Good Airports Act is endorsed by SEIU, UNITE HERE and CWA. “Every day, airport service workers keep our country moving. They do the essential work that keeps our airports safe, our aviation system running, and millions of travelers connected. Airport service workers deserve more than our thanks, they deserve good jobs that provide dignity, security, and the opportunity to build a better life,” said April Verrett, President of SEIU. “The Good Jobs for Good Airports Act is about recognizing the value of that work. Congress should stand with the workers who keep our airports running and pass this legislation. When we invest in working people, we build a stronger economy and a stronger nation.” “Our tax dollars continue to be invested in the expansion and improvement of the nation’s airports. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act committed billions for airports, with the final $2.9 billion invested this year. However, airports are not just buildings with tarmacs and airplanes: a successful airport depends on its workers. Despite this, there are UNITE HERE members working in airport concessions and airline catering who are struggling to make ends meet. Some of them work multiple jobs and with no healthcare. Our investments must support a healthy workforce and offer wages that lift workers out of poverty — the Good Jobs for Good Airports Act would set a fair national standard for wages and benefits for airport workers across the United States,” said Gwen Mills, President of UNITE HERE . “Airline passenger service agents are on the frontlines of the airline industry in our nation’s airports – ticketing and boarding passengers, loading and unloading baggage and performing other essential services. Despite their indispensable role in keeping air travel efficient and the flying public safe, they are underpaid and overworked. The Good Jobs for Good Airports Act is a long overdue step towards closing wage and benefit disparities that will allow essential airport employees to live and work with dignity,” said Claude Cummings Jr., President of the Communications Workers of America (CWA).