MSP airport workers win paid sick leave

http://www.workdayminnesota.org/articles/msp-airport-workers-win-paid-sick-leave

MSP airport workers win paid sick leave
By Barb Kucera, Workday Minnesota
December 15, 2014

BLOOMINGTON
Workers at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport will qualify for paid sick leave under a new policy adopted Monday by the Metropolitan Airports Commission. The decision is being hailed as a groundbreaking move that will benefit thousands of workers.

“This is a big step forward for workers at the airport,” said Ahmed Ahmed, a wheelchair agent for Air Serv, who addressed commissioners before the vote.

Covered employees will accrue one hour of paid leave for every 30 hours worked. They will be able to use the leave when they are sick or to care for a sick child or other family member. Workers also will be able to use paid leave for the purpose of providing or receiving assistance because of sexual assault, domestic abuse or stalking.

The policy, passed unanimously, will take effect Jan. 1, 2015, for employers with 21 or more employees. The provisions will be applied to airport businesses as license agreements with them are entered into or renewed.

FULL story at link.



Video by Labor Education Service

Published on Dec 16, 2014
Story and more information at http://workdayminnesota.org
The Metropolitan Airports Commission unanimously approved a paid sick leave policy for Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport workers on December 15, 2014. The decision is being hailed as a groundbreaking move that will benefit thousands of workers.

“This is a big step forward for workers at the airport,” said Ahmed Ahmed, a wheelchair agent for Air Serv, who addressed commissioners before the vote.

Covered employees will accrue one hour of paid leave for every 30 hours worked. They will be able to use the leave when they are sick or to care for a sick child or other family member. Workers also will be able to use paid leave for the purpose of providing or receiving assistance because of sexual assault, domestic abuse or stalking.

The policy will take effect Jan. 1, 2015, for employers with 21 or more employees. The provisions will be applied to airport businesses as license agreements with them are entered into or renewed.

Covered employees include cabin cleaners, car drivers and wheelchair agents. The policy does not apply to the airlines, but may cover a subsidiary or affiliate of an airline.

The campaign seeking a $15-an-hour airport minimum wage, 15 Now Minnesota, and Service Employees International Union Local 26 called the commission’s decision a major breakthrough in the effort to improve standards for airport workers. Members crowded the public meeting as commissioners discussed the issue