(Originally posted on itsOURairport.org.) Puget Sound Sage has released its latest report “Below the Radar:How Sea‑Tac Airport’s substandard working conditions hurt our region and how other major airports changed course toward growth and prosperity.” EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Many travelers are unaware of the work it takes to fly in and out of Sea-Tac Airport safely, comfortably…
By Nathan Jackson Waving messages on paper plates, airport food-service workers led a march through Sea-Tac Airport calling on the Port of Seattle to emphasize good food *and* good jobs at our airport. Port executives are currently considering changes in how food services operate at our airport that threaten to undermine the good jobs these…
(cross-posted from itsourairport.org) December 10th is International Human Rights Day, a holiday which honors the basic truth that every human being has the right to be treated with dignity, fairness, and respect. That’s something everyone deserves, no matter what they do or where they live. This year, many airport workers will mark Human Rights Day…
by Nathan Jackson The Port of Seattle and Alaska Airlines have entered a partnership to upgrade the north terminal to the tune of $230 million dollars. The port is paying the lion’s share, investing $194 million into the upgrade that will modernize facilities, improve seismic safety and even throw in an executive lounge for VIP…
By Nate Jackson Selah Mohammed, a taxi driver sporting sunglasses and a light blue button up shirt, spoke to the gathered media as tourists stood in line to board the cruise ship outside of the Port of Seattle’s headquarters on Pier 69. “We, the taxi drivers, are part of this airport,” he said. “We provide…
By Nate Jackson It’s hard to believe, but it’s true: after lease fees, licensing costs, taxes, insurance, gas, and maintenance, taxi drivers who pick up passengers at our airport start the work week as much as $1000 in the hole. That includes money they pay to dispatch companies like Yellow Cab and a weekly fee of more…
by Nate Jackson When 200, mostly immigrant, Seattle short haul port truck drivers and hundreds of community members walk off the job and keep making noise, the truck companies that haul goods under the Port of Seattle’s unwatchful eyes can’t help but notice. On Monday, February 13th port truck drivers staged a rally on the…
by Nate Jackson Leonard Sims had a long career in the construction field. He put in the hours, worked overtime and did whatever job was asked of him. He specialized in laying concrete for a small contractor centered in South Seattle. He’s been part of the close knit community for most of his life. Sims…
By Nate Jackson The latest census data confirmed what we already know; the lack of good jobs is driving more people into poverty. One out of every six people now live below the poverty line of $20,000 per year for a family of four. Working families gathered in the shadow of the Westin Hotel on…
