Austin Elected Officials Show Support for Neighborhood Development through Good Airport Jobs

Around 70 airport concessions workers at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport convened yesterday afternoon at the airport to announce a platform for quality jobs. Councilwoman Katie Tovo, Councilman Greg Casar, Councilwoman Ann Kitchen were present, also in attendance were representatives from Mayor Steven Adler’s office, Councilman Sabino Renteria, Councilwoman Leslie Pool and Councilwoman Delia Garza.

The platform is rooted in the idea that good jobs at Austin’s airport directly result in the development of some of Austin’s less affluent neighborhoods by bringing money and stability into those communities.

“As the owner of the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, the City of Austin can provide even better service by ensuring our workers have rewarding jobs at the airport,” said Council Member Casar. “The people who work in our airport are our constituents, and like all workers, they deserve benefits, job security, and a living wage.”

The airport workers’ platform includes 4 tenants:

• Economic Stability
• Affordable Quality Healthcare
• Job Security
• Training

“We work hard and provide great customer service for Austin residents and visitors to the City. We came together today to make sure that we don’t get left behind as the airport continues to succeed and expand,” said Iris Leija a prep cook at the airport and member of UNITE HERE Local 23, the union for airport concessions workers.

An active public bidding process for concessions operations for the airport expansion influenced the timing of the new platform. A number of companies are currently competing for the opportunity to provide these services when the expanded airport opens in 2018 or 2019.