Sea-Tac service workers ratify contract

The agreement improves seniority, leave policies, workplace safety, and adds protections for immigrant workers

SEATAC, WA (May 29, 2025) — After weeks of negotiations, the all-women bargaining team of cabin cleaners and wheelchair agents secured a contract raising standards for over 600 workers at Sea-Tac Airport. Those workers, members of SEIU Local 6 who provide passenger services at the airport, voted unanimously to approve the contract.

Per the union, stronger safety protections are an important win in the new collective bargaining agreement, after many workers voiced concern over the pressure they face to push two wheelchairs at once, or one wheelchair in one hand and a luggage cart in the other. Now, workers are protected from having to risk injury in this way.

The new CBA also strengthens seniority rights for airport workers, increases workers’ ability to cash out or carry over accrued paid time off, and adds protections for immigrant workers, who will now have the right to union representation in any reverification process.

“I feel incredibly positive about this new contract—it’s honestly the best one I’ve seen in my career. We’ve made many important changes that will make a difference for workers like us. The luggage and wheelchair safety updates will help so many people who struggled before and it means a lot to see those concerns addressed. The new vacation provisions are also a huge win. I’m really proud of what we accomplished together.” —Hayat, SEIU6 Bargaining Team member

The tentative agreement also includes a pathway to both wage raises above the minimum wage set by Proposition 1, and a pathway to realizing the workers’ longstanding demand for affordable healthcare.

Sea-Tac is the last major airport on the West Coast that doesn’t ensure a standard for quality, affordable healthcare for workers, but the Port of Seattle is currently conducting a study to look at the business impact of an airport-wide healthcare standard. Thanks to the workers’ new contract, employers will have to come to the bargaining table when any new policy is passed regarding healthcare.