Hoboken Terminal Workers Getting Closer To Big Raise; Bill Advances

HOBOKEN, NJ — A potential law to raise wages and ensure adequate benefits for workers at Hoboken Terminal, Newark Liberty International Airport and Newark Penn Station is on its way to Governor Chris Christie’s desk.

The bill, S-3226, would enact the “Safe Transportation Jobs and Fair Employment Rules Act,” or the “STAFER Act,” which would set a minimum wage and compensation rate for subcontracted transportation center service workers and food service workers at the three facilities, according to a joint statement from its sponsors, Senator M. Teresa Ruiz and Senate President Steve Sweeney.

The State Assembly approved the STAFFER Act earlier this month by a vote of 51-23-1. The Senate approved it on June 26 by a vote of 23-15.

It now heads to the governor’s desk.

The bill would base the minimum wage on federal and state rates of pay for specific workers – currently set at $17.98 an hour, plus $4.27 in benefits, paid vacation and certain holidays.

Read the full bill here.

“The men and women who work at Newark Airport, Newark Penn Station and Hoboken Terminal shouldn’t have to work at poverty wages,” Ruiz said. “This is about fairness and providing employees who work hard every day with a livable wage.”

“The current wage scale for New Jersey employees at these transportation centers undervalues the vital work they do every day to keep our airports and transit facilities safe, clean and operational for those who depend on them,” Sweeney said. “We can’t sit back and allow this injustice to continue. Employees at these facilities are often the first to respond to dangerous situations and help ensure the safety of passengers. They deserve decent wages and benefits.”

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