By Gabe Morgan
Walter Thomas has been working at Philadelphia International Airport for 10 years as a security guard, knowing that any moment he could be risking his life to protect the public. This Labor Day, Walter is celebrating because as part of his union, SEIU 32BJ, he and his coworkers were successful in advocating for the City Council last year to pass a Prevailing Wage Law for Philly Airport workers which recently went into effect. This law raised wages to $15.06 an hour, provided a $4.80/hour supplement for health insurance, and excellent paid time off and holidays.
Because of the passage of the Prevailing Wage Law, Walter now makes a higher hourly wage, has employer-paid healthcare to better manage his Type 2 Diabetes and high blood pressure, and has paid time off in addition to paid holidays.
This labor victory is life-changing to Walter, who will no longer have to spend hundreds of dollars out of pocket for his medical care. The Prevailing Wage Law is not only changing the course of Walter’s life, it is improving the quality of life for an estimated 1,000 essential airport workers that SEIU 32BJ is honored to represent there.
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