Sen. Markey, Reps. García and Fitzpatrick Reintroduce Legislation to Strengthen Supports for Airport Service Workers

Bill Text (PDF)

Washington (July 14, 2026) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), and Representatives Chuy García (IL-04) and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) today reintroduced 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.

"These workers serve through extreme temperatures, holiday travel surges, and even pandemics - yet too many still struggle with low pay, unaffordable care, and rising costs," said Senator Markey. "Because airports are the gateway to the world for travelers, they must also be the gateway to stable, middle-class jobs for workers. I am proud to partner with Congressmen Garcia and Fitzpatrick to lead this bipartisan, pro-worker legislation."

"America's airports support millions of jobs and move hundreds of millions of travelers each year. While U.S. airlines generated $6 billion in profit last year, airport frontline workers, who are predominantly Latino, Black and immigrant, are barely making ends meet. In fact 7 per cent of them live under the poverty level," said Congressman Jesús "Chuy" García. "The Good Jobs for Good Airports Act, seeks to ensure airport workers, who make our air travel possible, get the dignity and compensation they deserve for their hard work."

"Airport workers keep millions of Americans moving every day-and a job that keeps America moving should be a job that lets a family get ahead. The Good Jobs for Good Airports Act will raise wages, strengthen benefits, and ensure these workers finally receive the dignity and respect they've earned. It's past time Congress made sure good jobs take off at every airport in America," said Senator Schumer.

"Airport service workers are entrusted every day with the safety, order, and reliability of one of the most complex transportation systems in the world. We cannot ask them to carry that responsibility while denying them the economic security that comes with fair wages and meaningful benefits. The Good Jobs for Good Airports Act establishes one clear principle: the value of the work does not change because a job is outsourced or a different contractor signs the paycheck. By investing in the people who keep our airports moving, we strengthen the entire aviation system-and uphold our obligation to the workers, families, and travelers who depend upon it," said Congressman Fitzpatrick.

The legislation is cosponsored in the Senate by Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.).

"It's a no-brainer that we should be paying our airport service workers fairly for all they do to keep our transportation systems safe and running. I'm fighting hard alongside Senator Markey to make sure airport workers finally get the compensation they deserve, which will make our infrastructure even stronger in Massachusetts and across the country," said Senator Warren.

"Our airports - and the workers that keep them running - are critical to our economy, moving millions of people and goods throughout our country every day. It's past time these workers see the pay, benefits, and working conditions that they deserve. I am proud to fight for the Good Jobs for Good Airports Act, legislation to provide improved wages, benefits, and labor standards to this vital workforce," said Senator Van Hollen.

"Georgia's airports connect tens of millions of travelers to the state's incredible history, culture, and businesses," said Senator Warnock. "This is only possible because of the airport service workers who keep our aviation system running. Our legislation is an important step toward ensuring these workers receive the support and compensation they have earned."

"Providing airport workers with fair compensation and protections is long overdue," said Senator Blumenthal. "Airlines have consolidated power and raked in profits while airport service workers struggle to make ends meet. The Good Jobs for Good Airports Act will deliver the fair pay and benefits these critical workers who keep our country moving deserve."

"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 travels, but for the communities they're located in. I'm proud to help reintroduce this legislation."

"Every day, thousands of airport workers get passengers to their next destination, but many don't make enough to cover their basic needs. The Good Jobs for Good Airports Act will make sure federal investments in our nation's airports also support the workers who keep them running," said Senator Murphy.

"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."

"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).

The Good Jobs for Good Airports Act is endorsed by SEIU, UNITE HERE and CWA.

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