In an exciting step for airport service workers in the region, the Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority (MWAA) voted last month to enact a paid sick leave policy at Dulles International Airport and Reagan National Airport in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. The policy, the first of its kind at these airports, will extend the right to 40 hours per year of paid time off that can be used for health needs or when sick to certain airport service workers — such as wheelchair assistants, cabin cleaners, and terminal cleaners — starting January 1, 2025.
This victory is the result of a four-year campaign led by airport service workers, one which we at A Better Balance have supported via multiple comments to the MWAA urging them to take this step and ensure that airport workers no longer must choose between their economic security and taking the time they need to recover while sick.
We know that paid sick time is beneficial for workers’ health and economic wellbeing, businesses, and public health. Allowing airport service workers to take the time they need to recover from sickness without having to worry about taking a pay cut will make D.C.’s airports healthier, more supportive environments for workers and travelers alike. We hope that this victory is another step towards guaranteeing paid sick time for all Virginians as we continue our work to extend this right to all workers nationwide.
We applaud the MWAA for making this critical protection a right for airport service workers in our nation’s capital, and congratulate our partners at 32BJ SEIU on this hard-won victory.
