
The Port of Seattle Commission directed Port staff today to examine how enhanced health care benefits for nongovernment SEA workers might contribute to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport’s (SEA’s) leading position in passenger service and workplace quality. Inspired by a series of roundtable discussions and the work of an Employee Recruitment and Retention Committee, the Port will explore the possibility of implementing health care requirements for the more than 20,000 SEA workers in a two-phase approach. A study concluding in mid-2025 will determine whether a policy directive will be considered next year.
This latest order, in addition to a November order piloting multiple transit options for SEA workers, seeks to understand how enhancing worker benefits can improve overall airport operations, including safety and customer service. These elements ultimately advance the airport’s goal of achieving a five-star Skytrax rating and higher competitiveness. SEA is currently a four-star Skytrax airport.
“I'm proud to sponsor this order, which prioritizes a people-first approach and recognizes the economic benefits of supporting our SEA workers,” said Port of Seattle Commission President Hamdi Mohamed. “Through thoughtful collaboration, this initiative aims to improve safety, enhance worker retention, streamline airport operations, deliver exceptional customer service, and achieve other positive outcomes. These efforts will help advance the airport’s goal of earning a five-star Skytrax rating and increasing its global competitiveness.”
“We’ve heard loud and clear that the status quo doesn’t cut it for SEA workers when it comes to health care. This public order marks the first of many necessary steps to make the formal business case for mandatory health care,” said Port of Seattle Commission Vice President Toshiko Hasegawa. “Attracting and retaining workers is a challenge nationwide, and we’re committed to providing quality jobs across the airport. Through this order, we will analyze both local and national data to assess whether enhanced health care benefits could improve worker retention, streamline airport operations, and drive overall positive business outcomes.”
Phased approach
Phase 1 directs the Port to study the effect of health care benefits on business outcomes. The study will review benefit policies at major airports across the country and survey current benefits provided to SEA workers. Based on those findings, the Port will determine whether there are correlations between levels of health care and business impacts like worker retention, recruitment, safety, training, and more. The findings will be presented to the Commission. Pending the results, the Commission could develop a policy directive guiding the development and implementation of health care requirements for SEA workers as part of Phase 2.
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Contact
Chris Guizlo | Port of Seattle Media Officer
[email protected]