Newark’s Municipal Council passed a resolution in support of the Good Jobs, Good Airports pledge, and encourages all airlines operating at Newark Liberty International to commit to providing their direct and subcontracted service workforce with higher wages, quality health care, paid time off, and respecting workers’ rights to join a union at all airports in which they operate.
Even though most workers at Newark International Airport are protected under their collective bargaining agreement and the Healthy Terminals Act, they stood in support of their fellow workers amid a national uprising that has seen essential workers across industries fed up and demanding change. They were joined by the Rev. Louise Roundtree, Councilwoman LaMonica McIver, and Municipal Council President Luis Quintana.
“In passing this resolution, the Municipal Council proudly stands with airport workers in the city of Newark and nationwide,” said Quintana. “As the largest city in the state, we take our duty to protect the workers very seriously. We strongly believe that the country’s recovery needs to be based on job security, stability and the worker’s physical, mental, and economic well-being.”
By signing the Good Airports pledge, airlines would commit to acknowledging that they have the ability and responsibility to end poverty-wage jobs and inequity through the system, ensure the billions of public dollars airlines receive annually serve the public good, set a minimum wage and benefit standard guaranteeing all workers are paid living wages, and provided affordable, quality health care and paid time off and respect workers’ right to join together in a union.
“We commend the Municipal Council in the City of Newark for recognizing the value of all its workers and passing this resolution,” said Kevin Brown, 32BJ SEIU executive vice-president and N.J. state director.
“Airport workers play a key role in our post-pandemic recovery. After two years defined by calls for racial justice and the safety of our essential workers, it is time to create a nationwide standard. Airlines have the power to change the lives of thousands of workers nationwide and propel our airports to a recovery that puts working people first.”