Rep. García, Sen. Markey, Union Leaders: GAO Confirms that Airport Service Workers are Critical for the Safety and Security of the Aviation System

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representative Jesús "Chuy" García (IL-04), a member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, along with Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, April Verrett, President of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Claude Cummings Jr., President of the Communications Workers of America (CWA), and Gwen Mills, President of UNITE HERE, today responded to arecent reportfrom the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) that documents the critical role airport service workers play in the safety and security of our aviation system. Senator Markey secured language in the FAA Reauthorization Actthat required GAO to conduct the study, which was consistent with his Good Jobs for Good Airports Act, legislation that would increase the wages and benefits of airport service workers.

"The GAO's findings reinforce that safety at our nation's airports starts with the people working on the ground-baggage handlers, wheelchair attendants, and so many others-who help spot dangers, respond in emergencies, and alert authorities to security threats," said Senator Markey. "This report makes clear what we have long known: airport service workers are an indispensable part of our aviation system. I was proud to fight for these workers during the FAA Reauthorization process and will continue to demand that they receive the fair pay and benefits they deserve."

"Revenue generated from ground transportation, parking, and concessions amounts to billions of dollars annually for airports, yet airport service workers continue to struggle to make ends meet," said Representative García. "The GAO report confirms that airport service workers are a key component of our nation's economy, and it is past time that they be paid the wages they deserve."

"The GAO report confirms what airport workers already know - we desperately need a federal wage standard that allows all airport service workers to make ends meet and thrive," said April Verrett, President of SEIU. "This Black, brown, and immigrant-powered workforce plays a critical role in aviation security, yet too often they are lowest-paid workers in the airport, especially in the South. Cabin cleaners, baggage handlers, wheelchair agents, and other airport workers in some of American Airlines' largest hubs, like Charlotte, Dallas, and Phoenix, are paid so little that some workers wonder where they'll sleep at night or how they'll put food on the table. That's why these frontline jobs continue to deal with chronic turnover and short staffing, which makes our airports less secure. The solution is simple. Airlines like American need to take action now to make these good union jobs that ensure our airports are safe and operational for the traveling public."

"Air travel would not be possible without the dedication of airport and airline service workers-the workers who clean aircraft, handle baggage, operate on the tarmac, assist passengers, and ensure airport security," said Claude Cummings Jr., President of CWA. "The GAO's analysis makes it very clear-despite conducting these vital services, many of these workers are simply not being paid a fair day's wage for a fair day's work. We are committed to working with Congress to end poverty wages and ensure this vital workforce has access to affordable healthcare, paid leave, and strong workplace protections."

"The GAO report documents the lived experience of our members working in airline catering and airport concessions," said Gwen Mills, President of UNITE HERE. "The findings show airport service workers make major contributions in keeping our airports secure while generating billions of dollars from retail, food, and beverage sales. Yet too many airport service workers still can't afford the cost of rent and food and 7% live below the poverty line. A union job can ensure that workers are fairly compensated for the work they do to keep everyone in the industry fed and safe. UNITE HERE is committed to organize new members and win good union contracts for our members in the aviation industry."

###