Christie Vetoes Pay Raise For Newark Airport Workers

NEWARK, NJ — Workers at Newark Airport and Hoboken Terminal were knocked down in their attempt to get a raise out of “poverty wages” when Governor Chris Christie vetoed the STAFFER bill on Friday.

The bill, S-3226, would have raised wages and ensured adequate benefits for workers at Newark Liberty International Airport, Newark Penn Station and Hoboken Terminal.

The STAFFER act would have 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.

• See related article: Newark Airport Wage Bill Advances In New Jersey

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.

Christie vetoed the bill on Friday.

• See related article: Chris Christie Signs 53 Bills Into Law

32BJ SEIU Vice President and NJ State Director Kevin Brown released the following statement about the veto:

“With the stroke of his veto pen, Governor Chris Christie has chosen to leave thousands of hardworking people and their families in abject poverty. Instead of supporting the STAFER Act — legislation that would have ensured privately contracted airport, rail and ferry workers received a living wage and benefits — Christie rejected it, proving once again he is out of step with the will of the legislature and the people.”

Brown continued:

“Even as Christie’s time in office comes to an end, his mean-spirited veto won’t stop our mission to help workers fight for their rights… As the sun sets on Governor Christie’s tumultuous last days in office, this veto will serve as another reminder of his failed legacy. Already tarnished by Bridgegate, BeachGate, HelicopterGate and a host of bullying rants, Christie's legacy now includes leaving thousands of New Jersey workers stuck in poverty. Chris Christie will leave New Jersey residents with nothing in the end but scandals, legal bills and more working New Jerseyans struggling to take care of their families."

Workers at Newark Airport have been vocal about their demand for a living wage, and have been holding protests at the busy transportation hub for years, gaining the support of elected officials such as New Jersey Senate President Steve Sweeney, U.S. Senator Cory Booker, New Jersey Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka.

Some of the workers, including employees of airline subcontractors such as PrimeFlight Aviation Services, have said that they make just $10.20 an hour, not nearly enough to raise a family.

• See related article: Fight For Living Wage Continues At Newark Airport
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Currently, workers at the Port Authority’s New Jersey facilities make about $21,000 per year, even though their peers at New York’s airports and transport hubs earn $15 per hour due to the state’s higher minimum wage, according to a joint news release from Sweeney and New Jersey Senator M. Teresa Ruiz, the primary sponsors of the STAFER Act.

“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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