Issued August 20, 2015
Valarie Long, Executive Vice President of the Service Employees International Union, issued the statement below Thursday following the Washington Supreme Court’s decision regarding SeaTac’s minimum wage law:
The Washington state Supreme Court issued a decision today that the voter-approved $15 minimum wage ordinance does in fact apply to the hardworking men and women at the Sea-Tac International Airport. This decision is a major victory for working people; especially the employees at Sea-Tac who work day in and day out to keep the airport running and safe for both staff and passengers.
Despite the fact that profitable companies such as Alaska Airlines used their record profits to undermine the voters’ will and deny the basic aspirations for dignity to the very working people who make sacrifices to contribute to the company’s success, the message from the Supreme Court was clear and unequivocal.
While we celebrate this victory, we understand the fight against economic imbalance in our nation is far from over. Many baggage handlers, cabin cleaners and wheelchair attendants are paid as little as $10 per hour, without access to healthcare. Sea-Tac Airport employees and their allies will continue to stand together with others at major origin and destination airports in the fight for $15 and union rights movement to raise standards for all.