Unionized Airport Workers In New Jersey: What's The Status?

Airport workers in New Jersey are unionized, with groups such as the Transport Workers Union (TWU) and 32BJ SEIU representing workers including baggage handlers, cabin cleaners, security officers, and more. The New Jersey Laborers Union is the state's 20,000-member affiliate of the Laborers' International Union of North America, representing construction workers, public sector workers, and service workers. New Jersey airport workers have advocated for higher wages, with a rally held outside Newark Airport in April 2024 demanding a wage increase to $25 per hour by 2030. The New Jersey Healthy Terminals Act also establishes a prevailing wage for certain workers at Newark Liberty International Airport and the airport train station.

Airport workers' unions demand higher wages and job protections

Airport workers unions are demanding higher wages and job protections, arguing that their pay has not kept up with the rising cost of living and the physical demands of their jobs. In New Jersey, members of the 32BJ SEIU union at Newark Liberty International Airport have been pushing for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to raise wages for thousands of airport workers to $25 an hour by 2030, up from the current minimum wage of $19 an hour. This demand is part of a multi-state campaign to improve industry standards and pay for airport workers.

The union argues that airlines have seen substantial multi-billion-dollar profits in the past year, while workers' wages and benefits have lagged. Airport workers often have to deal with long commutes, high rent, and other financial strains, which are becoming increasingly difficult to manage on their current wages. Additionally, they argue that their work is physically demanding, requiring them to walk several miles a day and work long hours.

In response to these demands, the New Jersey Healthy Terminals Act (HTA) was signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy on April 29, 2021, establishing a prevailing wage for certain workers at Newark Liberty International Airport and the Newark Liberty International Airport Train Station. The HTA requires a minimum wage, a minimum employer contribution for health and welfare, and a minimum amount of paid leave for covered employment. As of September 1, 2022, the minimum wage at Newark Airport is $18 per hour.

The 32BJ SEIU union has also successfully negotiated a new three-year contract for its members, which includes improved benefits, enhanced safety guidelines, and increased protections against discrimination on the job. This contract averted a potential strike by more than 10,000 service workers at Newark Liberty International, LaGuardia, and John F. Kennedy airports.

Airport workers unions continue to advocate for better wages and working conditions, and their efforts have led to some positive changes, such as the implementation of the Healthy Terminals Act and the negotiation of improved contracts. However, they still face challenges in their fight for fair compensation and job protections.

The Healthy Terminals Act ensures a minimum wage and benefits for airport workers

Airport workers in New Jersey are unionized and have been campaigning for higher wages and improved job protections. The 32BJ SEIU union, which represents over 10,000 service workers at Newark Liberty International Airport, has been pushing for industry-standard improvements and pay raises. Their efforts led to the implementation of the Healthy Terminals Act, which ensures fair wages and benefits for airport workers.

The Healthy Terminals Act (HTA) was signed into law by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy on April 29, 2021, and took effect on September 1 of the same year. The Act establishes a prevailing wage for certain workers at Newark Liberty International Airport and the Newark Liberty International Airport Train Station. It is important to note that the New Jersey HTA is distinct from the New York Healthy Terminals Act, which has similar goals but significantly different provisions.

The New Jersey HTA ensures a minimum wage for covered workers, which includes a minimum employer contribution for health and welfare, as well as a minimum amount of paid leave. The prevailing wage for covered workers cannot be less than any applicable minimum wage rate established by the Port Authority. As of September 1, 2021, the minimum wage at Newark Airport was set at $17.00 per hour, rising to $18.00 per hour on September 1, 2022. The Act also provides guidelines for the implementation of health insurance with no monthly co-premium.

In addition to wages and health benefits, the Healthy Terminals Act also addresses paid vacation and holidays. Covered workers are entitled to a minimum of 2 weeks of paid vacation after 1 year of service, increasing to 3, 4, and 5 weeks after 5, 15, and 25 years of service, respectively. Additionally, they must receive at least 12 paid holidays per year, including Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday, Juneteenth National Independence Day, and Independence Day.

The Healthy Terminals Act is a significant step forward in ensuring fair wages and benefits for airport workers in New Jersey. It addresses the challenges faced by workers who lost access to health coverage after receiving wage increases and becoming ineligible for Medicaid. By providing a prevailing wage and essential benefits, the Act improves the lives of thousands of airport workers and their families.

Unions improve health and safety guidelines for workers

Airport workers in New Jersey are unionized. In July 2021, the union representing over 10,000 service workers at Newark Liberty International Airport ratified a new three-year contract that includes improved health and safety guidelines. The union in question is 32BJ SEIU, and the contract averted a strike.

Unions have a positive impact on workers' health and safety guidelines. They have been instrumental in passing legislation that protects workers, such as the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 and the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977. Unions have also been essential in advocating for and monitoring regulations enforced by public health entities like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Their efforts have resulted in a significant decline in workplace deaths and injuries, with over half a million workers' lives saved due to strengthened workplace protections.

Unions provide workers with a real voice in safety and health matters in the workplace. They help negotiate safety and health protocols and ensure that working conditions are safe by policing for violations. Union representatives can also exercise walkaround rights during inspections by entities like OSHA. Additionally, unions give workers the power to challenge and correct unsafe working conditions through grievance procedures.

Research supports the positive impact of unions on workplace safety. A report on the construction industry found that union worksites are 19% less likely to have an OSHA violation and had 34% fewer violations per OSHA inspection than non-union sites. This is despite union sites only making up 5% of the industry.

Unions also promote well-being by encouraging democratic participation and fostering a sense of community among workers. They help members gain control over their scheduling and job security, and union membership is associated with increased democratic participation.

Union workers include baggage handlers, security officers, and cabin cleaners

Airport workers in New Jersey are unionised, with over 10,000 service workers at Newark Liberty International, LaGuardia, and John F. Kennedy airports represented by the 32BJ SEIU union. Union workers include baggage handlers, security officers, and cabin cleaners, as well as contracted passenger service representatives, terminal cleaners, wheelchair attendants, and skycaps.

Union workers in New Jersey have been campaigning for higher wages and better job protections. In 2024, the 32BJ SEIU union negotiated a new three-year contract that included improved benefits, better safety guidelines, and protections against discrimination. The contract also preserved MLK Day as a paid holiday, a significant victory in the fight for racial justice.

The New Jersey Healthy Terminals Act, signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy in 2021, establishes a prevailing wage for certain workers at Newark Liberty International Airport and the airport train station. This act provides a minimum wage, a minimum contribution for health and welfare, and a minimum amount of paid leave for covered employment.

Union workers in other states, such as California, are also fighting for similar benefits, including higher wages, affordable healthcare, and better job protections.

Union workers fight for racial justice and protection against discrimination

Airport workers in New Jersey are unionized under 32BJ SEIU, which represents more than 10,000 service workers at Newark Liberty International, LaGuardia, and John F. Kennedy airports. In July 2021, the union ratified a new three-year contract that includes better benefits, improved safety guidelines, and protections against discrimination.

Union workers have long fought for racial justice and protection against discrimination. Historically, unions have played a crucial role in enforcing more equal outcomes by reducing economic disparities between Black and white workers. While organized labor has been plagued by racism, its net effect has been to significantly narrow racial gaps in the labor market. For instance, unions reduce racial wage gaps and racial wealth gaps among union members. Black workers are more likely to be union members and receive a higher wage boost from unionization.

Unions also protect workers from discriminatory and retaliatory firings by providing "just cause" rights, which safeguard employees from arbitrary dismissal. A survey by Data for Progress found that Black and Hispanic workers reported higher levels of unfair dismissals, suggesting that racial inequities exist in at-will firings. Union contracts typically include provisions requiring employers to have a documented, performance-related reason for disciplining or dismissing a worker, and allow workers to challenge unfair terminations.

Additionally, unions have been key partners in the Civil Rights Movement, providing political and economic support. They have also played an integral role in strengthening democracy by helping to secure voting rights and increasing voter turnout.

Union workers continue to advocate for racial justice and protection against discrimination, ensuring that all workers are treated fairly and have access to the benefits and protections provided by union contracts.

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