Airport workers organize for healthcare coverage

SEA is the only major west coast airport that doesn’t require contractors to offer affordable health insurance to their workers

SEATAC, WA (July 30, 2026) — Airport workers stepped up their pressure campaign on the Port of Seattle to pass a policy mandating health insurance at SEA airport this week, testifying at the Port commissioners’ meeting on Tuesday. Workers have been fighting for affordable coverage since 2018; Port commissioners have failed to act, even using Port law enforcement to break up workers’ direct actions at the airport.

Currently, more than 50% of workers employed by airport contractors do not have access to affordable health insurance, per SEIU Local 6.

Airport workers rallying at SEA airport in April. Photo: MLK Labor

At an action in early April, airport workers were frank about the cost of the Port of Seattle’s failure to act.

“We are told that the airport is a world-class place to work, yet many of us don’t have health insurance,” said Nancy Kibocha, a cabin cleaner at SEA Airport. “While the Port conducts studies, asks to fill out surveys, and issues proclamations, my coworkers and I are forced to choose between seeing a doctor or paying our rent, buying medicine or buying groceries. This is the reality we face.”

As workers continue to organize, they’re asking supporters to help amplify their message to Port of Seattle commissioners. SEIU6 has set up an email action that reads in part, “Under RCW 14.08.120(2), the Port can adopt rules and policies to govern and manage the airport, including setting basic standards for workers’ health and safety. As Commissioners, your fiduciary duty to protect the Port’s interests must include maintaining a safe, healthy, and stable workforce.”

TAKE A STAND: Email Port of Seattle commissioners and urge them to adopt a policy requiring affordable health insurance be offered to airport workers.