On May Day, hundreds of SEIU-USWW members and allies marched through SFO to demand fair wages and better working conditions for the passenger service workers who keep the airport running every day. The action drew support from elected officials, community leaders, and working people from across the Bay Area. Several elected officials were even arrested in an act of civil disobedience, sending a clear message that the struggle of airport workers is a fight worth standing up for.
That momentum carried directly into City Hall, where passenger service workers testified before the San Francisco Board of Supervisors about the reality of trying to survive on current wages in one of the most expensive regions in the country. Workers spoke about working multiple jobs, sleeping in their cars, and making impossible choices just to get by while airlines continue to report strong profits. The hearing put a spotlight on the growing pressure facing the companies involved in these negotiations and brought our fight to a new audience.
Most importantly, these events demonstrate that our campaign is moving forward. More workers are getting involved. More community allies are standing with us. More elected leaders are speaking out. And more people are learning the truth about what it takes to keep SFO running.
Our employers want us to believe that change is impossible. But every rally, every testimony, every conversation, and every action proves the opposite. When airport workers stand together, we have the power to change the conversation and win the respect, wages, and working conditions we deserve.
The fight is not over, but we are making progress. The message from SFO to City Hall is clear: airport workers are united, organized, and ready to keep fighting until we win.
Media Coverage
https://www.kqed.org/news/12082724/san-francisco-airport-labor-fight-hits-city-hall-this-week