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Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Economy Your Tax Dollars at Work: New Report Finds Substandard Working Conditions at Sea-Tac Airport

Posted by Goldy on Tue, Mar 19, 2013 at 3:05 PM

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Puget Sound Sage

A new report from Puget Sound Sage finds that Sea-Tac contract workers have by far the worst pay, benefits, and job protections of any major West Coast airport.

And it's not like we can't do anything about it because, markets! The Port of Seattle is a taxpayer-funded public agency tasked with creating jobs and promoting economic development; it could impose higher job standards at Sea-Tac if it wanted to, just like the major California airports have. I mean, it's not like the airlines are going to take their business elsewhere just because they suddenly have to pay the guys fueling their planes a living wage.

But we don't pay these workers a living wage. Instead, we've allowed this contracting regime to push these workers and their families deeper into poverty, with the obvious negative impact on the communities surrounding the airport.

It's really kinda shameful.

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Comments (9) RSS

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Yup.

Posted by Will in Seattle

on March 19, 2013 at 3:08 PM

And nothing will change..oh they may get a token raise of $.25 an hour but that's it

Posted by Cato the Younger Younger on March 19, 2013 at 3:34 PM

Why was Portland not included?

I completely agree with the post and the Port of Seattle SHOULD be imposing higher standards (we pay enough for flying out of this airport as it is).

Posted by TheMisanthrope on March 19, 2013 at 3:44 PM

Don't worry, the Port Commissioner position was just raised from 6k a year to 42k.

Posted by UberAlles on March 19, 2013 at 3:49 PM

How convenient that PDX isn't on that list.

Posted by fetish on March 19, 2013 at 4:03 PM

Can we stop this silly "Because [noun]" meme? Particularly since, as usual, the Stranger is riding the tail end of this wave?

Posted by bigyaz on March 19, 2013 at 7:40 PM

Nobody is forcing these people to work there...

If they wanted a better job, they could just go and get one...

OOps, that's right, the Grinning Golfer still hasn't created "fundamental change" in the unemployment line.

Let them eat cake. Four !!!

Posted by GeneStoner on March 19, 2013 at 9:06 PM

What tax dollars are at work here? The employees are contracted by the airlines, not the port authority.

Posted by hrmmmm on March 19, 2013 at 9:11 PM

@7 Yeah, 'cause it's so easy to get one of those $14/hour jobs. It's just like going to the store and getting a new toaster! You know why most voters think conservatives are out of touch and don't give a damn about anyone but themselves? Because of people like you. Thanks a lot. Let's see how many people remember how nice you are when it's your turn to be in the gutter. Moron.

I'd say "Strike!" but I know that's easier said than done. Is this something that can be turned into a ballot issue? Those port commissioners are elected. (I know it doesn't help when the Seattle Times, as usual, is smearing pro-union commissioners.) Goldy, bring this up again when election season comes around.

Posted by floater on March 19, 2013 at 11:40 PM