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San Francisco committee advances amended "Healthy Airport" ordinance after hours of testimony from workers and airlines
Summary
The Budget & Finance Committee continued an amended ordinance that would require family, platinum-level health coverage or higher employer contributions for airport service workers; supporters said it would protect low-wage workers and families during COVID-19, while airlines warned of job losses and higher fares. The committee approved an amendment tightening waiver documentation and continued the item as amended to a later meeting.
Supervisor Rafael Mandeman introduced a measure on Oct. 21 proposing to amend the city's Healthcare Accountability Ordinance (HCAO) to require Quality Standards Program employers at San Francisco International Airport to provide family, platinum-level health insurance at no cost to employees or to make a contribution of $9.50 an hour to the city option in lieu of offering family coverage. The proposal would also eliminate the current 20-hours-per-week threshold so the requirement applies regardless of hours worked.
Mandeman said the change is aimed at low-wage airport service workers and subcontracted employees who "cannot afford family coverage" and who face elevated COVID-19 exposure on the job. "For far too many workers, the cost of health insurance is out of reach," he said, arguing the measure would protect workers, their families and the traveling public.
The committee heard an extended public-comment period that split sharply along industry and labor lines. Dozens of airport service workers and union representatives — including SEIU and…
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