Higher Wages and Benefits Mandated for Airport Service Workers
This law requires small, medium, and large hub airports receiving federal funding to ensure that service workers (including baggage handlers, cleaners, and concession staff) are paid the highest applicable wage: $15 per hour, the federal prevailing wage, or the state/local minimum wage. The goal is to stabilize the airport workforce, reduce turnover, and enhance safety and efficiency. Airports failing to certify compliance will lose access to key federal infrastructure grants.
Key points
Wage Increase: Airport service workers must be paid at least $15 per hour, or the higher prevailing wage determined by federal or local standards.
Mandatory Benefits: Employers must provide minimum fringe benefits (such as health coverage) to these workers, in accordance with the Service Contract Act or local laws.
Funding Condition: Hub airports must certify compliance with these labor standards to qualify for federal airport improvement and terminal grants.
Expired
Additional Information
Print number: 118_HR_1499
Sponsor: Rep. Garcia, Jesus G. "Chuy" [D-IL-4]
Process start date: 2023-03-09