PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphia City Councilman Kenyatta Johnson is trying to help airport workers get some things that they haven’t been able to get at the bargaining table: health benefits, sick leave and a raise.
Councilman Johnson introduced a bill that would require airlines or their subcontractors to pay a minimum of $15 an hour. That is $1.40 more than the current minimum for unionized workers.
The bill would also require a supplement, so the workers could purchase health insurance. It also mandates 56 hours of sick leave each year.
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Johnson said it would cover some 4,000 employees from concession workers to baggage handlers and cabin cleaners. That workforce is overwhelmingly African-American.
"Health care is along the lines of a civil rights issue," Johnson said.
"No one should have to go to work and put their lives on the front line in the midst of COVID-19 and bring home a virus that could potentially take the lives of their family members without adequate health care coverage."
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32BJ and Unite Here are representing the workers. Both organizations support the legislation.
32BJ vice president Gabe Morgan said that without city action, the airlines and their contractors would be unlikely to provide better pay and benefits.