The San Francisco County Board of Supervisors held a significant meeting on July 4, 2025, focusing on the critical issue of healthcare for airport workers. The session featured numerous speakers, primarily employees from San Francisco International Airport (SFO), who shared personal testimonies highlighting the importance of maintaining health benefits amid ongoing negotiations with employers.

The meeting commenced with a series of heartfelt appeals from workers, emphasizing how essential healthcare is for their families. One speaker, Tom, articulated the dire consequences of losing health benefits, stating that many workers, particularly those in catering and cleaning roles, lack the ability to advocate for their rights. He urged the board to uphold healthcare standards at the airport to ensure the well-being of all employees.

Molly Gomez, a long-time airport worker, recounted her struggles during the pandemic and the importance of having reliable healthcare for her children. She shared alarming stories of individuals who delayed seeking medical attention due to inadequate insurance, leading to tragic outcomes. Her testimony underscored the necessity of accessible healthcare for all workers, especially those in physically demanding jobs.

Nathaniel Bakwadano, another airport employee, expressed gratitude for his health coverage, which allowed him to undergo necessary surgery without the burden of medical debt. He highlighted the fear many workers face regarding potential loss of healthcare and the impact it would have on their families.

The meeting also featured comments from union representatives and community leaders, who echoed the workers' sentiments. They pointed out that many airport employees are struggling financially, often working multiple jobs to make ends meet. Rosa Shields from the San Mateo Labor Council noted that SFO workers frequently face food and housing insecurity, emphasizing the need for fair wages and healthcare.

As the discussions progressed, it became clear that the ongoing negotiations with employers were a central concern. Union representatives indicated that while some progress had been made, wage proposals from employers were inadequate, jeopardizing the ability of workers to sustain their livelihoods in the high-cost Bay Area.

The meeting concluded with a call for solidarity among workers and a commitment from the board to support efforts to secure fair wages and healthcare benefits. The urgency of the situation was palpable, as speakers stressed that the future of thousands of airport workers depended on the outcomes of these negotiations.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the critical intersection of labor rights, healthcare access, and economic stability for airport workers in San Francisco, setting the stage for continued advocacy and action in the coming months.