Good Jobs for Good Airports Act

Key Points

• The bill sets a new wage and benefits floor for airport service workers, requiring pay based on federal Service Contract Act rates or state and local minimums, whichever is higher.
• Coverage is broad, including baggage handlers, security staff, ticketing agents, ramp workers, cabin cleaners, concession and catering workers, and airport hotel staff, but excludes TSA screeners and government employees.
• Congress justifies the bill by arguing that stable, well-paid airport workers improve safety, security, and efficiency by reducing costly staff turnover.
• Employers must certify compliance every month under penalty of perjury, and violations can trigger civil penalties up to three times the normal maximum, plus lawsuits from workers or other interested parties.
• Workers or advocacy groups can sue non-compliant employers directly in federal court, adding a private enforcement mechanism on top of government oversight.