The minimal wage for sure Boston Logan International Airport employees will quickly improve to $17 an hour after a months-long push by advocates and a vote Thursday by the Massport Board.
The board voted to grant a two-step improve to the $15 minimal wage for airport contract service employees — paying $16 an hour efficient July 1, 2022, and $17 efficient Jan. 1, 2023.
The increase covers Logan’s wheelchair assistants, skycaps, ticket brokers, janitorial employees and baggage handlers, amongst others.
“As passenger volume at Logan continues to increase, the timing of this vote is even more important,” stated Massport Board Member Sean O’Brien, noting the wage increase shall be key to attracting and retaining important staff.
Massport maintained yearly raises from 2014 to 2020, protecting Logan’s wages above the state minimal. But the board had not handed a rise since 2020, sparking outcry from employees and different advocates.
“The workers have struggled during COVID, and at the same time not seen a wage increase,” stated Roxana Rivera, the vp of 32BJ SEIU, a union advocating for the airport staff. “That’s why we’re excited about today, because it does allow for some much-needed relief for these workers.”
“It’s a good step to start,” stated Ababuti Olok, a skycap employee and wheelchair attendant with 11 years at Logan, “but it’s still — with high inflation — not enough for one person to do one job and afford to pay the rent and expenses here.”
“This increase to the minimum wage pay for airport workers is an important moment for workers’ rights, especially immigrant workers’ rights,” stated state Sen. Lydia Edwards. “These workers should be respected, protected and paid the proper living wage they have worked so hard for.”
Source: www.bostonherald.com”