NJ Healthy Terminals Act Takes Off; Gov. Signs Health Care Bill

NEWARK, NJ — It’s “take off” time for the Healthy Terminals Act in New Jersey.

On Thursday, Gov. Phil Murphy signed S-989, which creates new minimum wage and benefits requirements for certain workers at Newark Liberty International Airport and the adjacent Newark Liberty International Train Station.

Many workers at the airport have claimed that they can’t afford their employers’ health care insurance, despite serving on the front-line since the coronavirus pandemic began.

They include Tyrone Brown, who has gone without treatment for his Crohn’s disease for more than two years due to a lack of insurance. Brown, who has been forced to resort to GoFundMe campaigns to cover his medical bills, currently needs a hip replacement and physical therapy.

“The relief of knowing that I will have access to health care is something I never thought I would experience,” Brown said.

• See related article: Meet 10 NJ Families Who Had To Crowdfund For Health Care

However, the bill signed Thursday will change that, advocates say.

The Healthy Terminals Act will set a prevailing wage schedule for any employee – including those from private companies – who spends at least half their work week at the airport or adjacent Newark Liberty International Airport Train Station. It also requires employers to pay a health care supplement of $4.54 an hour on top of the minimum wage.

The new law is expected to impact an estimated 10,000 workers, many whom work for subcontracted companies. Those workers include cabin and terminal cleaners, wheelchair attendants, baggage claim attendants, security officers and passenger service representatives.

Spokespeople with 32BJ SEIU estimated that the total cost to airlines will add up to just 0.11 percent of the airline industry’s $79 billion federal bailout. Moreover, it will provide Medicaid and Charity Care savings to the state when workers switch to employer plans, which may reach up to $7 million a year, the union said.

“When this bill was introduced, we did not know that we were headed into an unfathomable threat to our lives, our health and our livelihood,” said Kyle Bragg, president of SEIU 32BJ, the union that represents many of the affected workers.

“COVID-19 hit us hard, making access to healthcare for our members a matter of life or death,” Bragg continued. “Passing this law is a major landmark in the long journey to justice that airport workers have traveled. With the signing of the law, we are one step closer towards a fair contract and the conditions all workers at Newark International deserve.”

• See related article: Airport Workers In NJ, NY Fight For New Contracts Amid Pandemic

“Today is a great day for thousands of workers who were hit the hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic,” agreed Jose Maldonado, secretary-treasurer of Unite Here Local 100, which represents some of the affected workers.

“The last year has taught all of us just how important quality health care care is, and today these workers and their families can look forward to a future with a much stronger health care safety net,” Maldonado said.

Primary sponsors of S-989 include Senators Loretta Weinberg, Linda Greenstein and Steve Sweeney, and Assembly members Annette Quijano, Daniel Benson, Joseph Egan and Shanique Speight.

The act takes effect immediately; workers will have access to its provisions starting on Sept. 1. Read the full text here.

A similar bill was signed into law in New York and will benefit airport workers at John F. Kennedy and LaGuardia airports. That bill will go into effect starting in July 2021.

• See related article: Newark Airport Workers Rally For Health Care: 'I Pray To God'
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HEALTHY TERMINALS ACT: CRITICS, SUPPORTERS SPEAK

In March, three Republican lawmakers slammed the Healthy Terminals Act, alleging that it will give airport workers privileges that other workers in the state don't have. Ironically, the bill may also increase labor costs and jeopardize jobs at the airport, hurting the very workers it intends to help, they said.

Assemblyman Brian Bergen (District 25) called the law a "small business-killing bill," and alleged that it's just the "tip of the hat" when it comes to what the future may hold in store for small businesses in New Jersey.

"This bill is giving [Newark Airport workers] a litany of different privileges and benefits that are not available to everybody else, just because one particular group has got the ear of the majority party," Bergen argued.

• See related article: Health Care Bill For Newark Airport Heads To Gov. Murphy's Desk

But the law’s supporters put forth heavy praise for it on Thursday.

“I’ve been putting off taking medications for my multiple sclerosis because they’re too expensive,” security officer Yvette Stephens said.

“I’m thankful that I will no longer have to choose between taking care of my family and taking care of my health,” Stephens added.

Other support for the new law came from:

Gov. Phil Murphy – “For a long time, we have heard the concerns and often desperate pleas from airport workers for access to affordable health care and for wages that allow them to support themselves and their families. This legislation provides workers at Newark Airport the dignity, respect, and treatment that they deserve. These men and women have selflessly been serving through the COVID-19 pandemic as critical infrastructure workers, and I am proud to sign this legislation that will finally provide them with the health care and compensation that they need and have fought for.”

Sen. Loretta Weinberg – ““Workers in every walk of life, seen and unseen, deserve a livable wage, and access to affordable health care. The people who help keep our planes flying and our trains running, and the men and women who make sure our largest airport is clean, safe and functional, are essential in every respect. This legislation recognizes that fact, and makes sure these workers get the quality treatment they need when they need it. When these front-line workers are able to see a doctor and receive proper care while earning a living wage it makes all of us healthier, safer and stronger.”

Sen. Steve Sweeney – ““Our dedicated workers at Newark Liberty have without question been among the state’s most resilient and faithful employees throughout the course of the coronavirus pandemic. They deserve to have that work ethic rewarded in these harrowing days by being provided access to quality health care and a living wage. With the signing of this legislation we are reaffirming our commitment to these workers that have been there for our state in good times and bad.”

Sen. Linda Greenstein – “The coronavirus pandemic has underscored the need to ensure that every worker, especially those most at risk, including airport workers, have access to affordable healthcare. Newark airport is a vital hub for the entire region and the people who keep it functioning properly, especially in times of crisis, unquestionably deserve affordable health care and a fair, living wage.”

Assemblyman Craig Coughlin – “Access to affordable health care will ensure Newark Liberty Airport’s frontline workers can safely do their jobs and interact with travelers. The Healthy Terminals Act will finally make it easier for workers to access affordable, quality health insurance. To all of the airline, train and transit workers, thank you for your service and commitment through these challenging times.”

Assemblywoman Annette Quijano – “Before the pandemic, when this bill was introduced, workers needed help. It is time we invest in the workforce that makes air travel possible. Winning the Healthy Terminals Act will be a victory for Black and Brown, men and women who have been on the front lines of COVID-19, sanitizing planes, cleaning terminals, securing the airports, handling baggage and mail, and pushing wheelchairs.”

Assemblyman Daniel Benson – “While airlines are getting billion-dollar bailouts, we cannot forget that airline workers are in greater need during this pandemic. While wages have increased, access to good, affordable health care continues to be out of reach for many airport workers. This new law will make sure they don't have to choose between their health and their job.”

Assemblyman Joseph Egan – “Many of these workers have to choose between health care or paying for housing. No one should have to ignore their personal health in order to afford rent or a mortgage. This law will help people keep a roof over their head and receive proper medical treatment.”

Assemblywoman Shanique Speight – “These employees include security, baggage handlers and many more positions. Travelers rely on these employees to help them maneuver through the airport or train station. This law will enhance their ability to afford healthcare, stay healthy, receive treatment if necessary, and keep everyone who passes through safe and healthy as well.”

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