Tuesday marked a victory for many workers at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport after the Broward County Commission voted in favor of raises for wheelchair pushers, cabin cleaners and others.
These airport workers work for companies that contract with the airlines, not the county, so have not been covered by the Broward living wage ordinance until now.
Starting Jan. 1, workers will make at least $11.68 an hour if they’re getting health benefits and $13.20 if not. That’s the same as what all Broward County employees earn.
Before the vote, a group of about 50 workers and supporters gathered to celebrate and share words of thanks to everyone who stuck with them during the almost 4-year process of extending the living wage ordinance.
Sandra Smith holds two jobs at the airport— pushing wheelchairs and cleaning cabins —with two different companies.
“I’ve been struggling for such a long time working in the airport,” said Smith. “My brother died in my country. My family had to get me my plane ticket to go home and bury my brother.”
She says she’s going to take this raise and go on a vacation—her first one in a long time.
After the unanimous 8-0 vote, the group popped bottles of sparkling apple cider to cheers: not of “si se puede,” but of “si se pudo.”
Next, they’ll push the Florida Legislature for a statewide minimum wage of $15.
