WINS FOR IMMIGRANT WORKERS, SAFETY ON THE JOB, AND PATHWAY TO HEALTHCARE & HIGHER WAGES
On Friday, May 16th, SEA passenger service workers voted unanimously on a record contract. The all-women bargaining team of cabin cleaners and wheelchair agents was able to raise standards for over 600 workers covered under their collective bargaining agreement.
The new CBA strengthens seniority rights for airport workers, increases workers’ ability to cash out or carry over accrued paid time off, and adds protections for immigrant workers, who will now have the right to union representation in any reverification process.
“I feel incredibly positive about this new contract—it’s honestly the best one I’ve seen in my career. We’ve made many important changes that will make a difference for workers like us. The luggage and wheelchair safety updates will help so many people who struggled before and it means a lot to see those concerns addressed. The new vacation provisions are also a huge win. I’m really proud of what we accomplished together.” —Hayat, SEIU6 Bargaining Team member
Stronger safety protections are an important win in the new CBA, after many workers voiced concern over the pressure they face to push two wheelchairs at once, or one wheelchair in one hand and a luggage cart in the other. Now, workers are protected from having to risk injury in this way.
SEIU6 members ratified the tentative agreement that includes a pathway to both wage raises above the minimum wage set by Proposition 1, and a pathway to meeting the longstanding demand of affordable healthcare. SEA is the last major airport on the West Coast that doesn’t ensure a standard for quality, affordable healthcare for workers.
The new contract guarantees employers will come to the bargaining table when any new policy is passed regarding healthcare. Currently, the Port of Seattle is conducting a study to look at the business impact of an airport-wide healthcare standard.