BROWARD COUNTY, FL – Contracted workers employed by companies at Port Everglades and the Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport can look forward to salary increases next year. The service employees perform numerous tasks that are essential to the airport and seaport and its millions of passengers, such as wheelchair service, passenger assistance, custodial duties, luggage transportation, retail sales, and food and beverage service.
“These are the first faces that you see at the port and airport. We’ve been talking about increasing the living wage for more than a year now. These people work really hard and everybody deserves a living wage and quality healthcare,” said Commissioner Nan Rich, who first proposed a living wage increase for Board approval.
Broward Commissioners raised the living wage to $13.27 per hour with some employees receiving the increase starting in January and others no later than April. The current living wage is $12.38 per hour.
"We need to move the increase in the living wage ordinance forward and get this done. We will discuss the health care component after a workshop with the experts to gather more information and analysis," said Mayor Mark Bogen.
“We’ve had employees come here and tell us they need a living wage increase. It’s time we do something about this. These people need to make enough money to support their families and themselves,” said Vice Mayor V.C. Dale Holness.
“We want to do this for these employees. We want a certain level of stability and a certain level of quality customer service,” said Commissioner Michael Udine.
“I think all of us up here understand and appreciate the jobs that you do and recognize that you are the front line when people come to Broward County, whether it's by air or sea and we appreciate that,” said Commissioner Steve Geller.
“We’ve kind of fallen behind in terms of wages and health care. This is our opportunity to kind of true up ourselves to make sure that the people who are working both in the airport and the seaport have a living wage,” said Commissioner Beam Furr.
“This a significant change in what these vendors have negotiated, and I think it's only fair to have a better phase-in process for this,” said Commissioner Dr. Barbara Sharief.
“I think we need to increase the living wage now and talk about the health care later. It’s a very complex issue,” said Commissioner Tim Ryan.
The living wage increase goes into effect on January 1, 2019 for new and renewed vendor contracts and no later than April 1, 2019 for existing county service contracts.
PHOTO CAPTION: Broward County Board of County Commissioners. (Left to Right) Broward Commissioners Tim Ryan, Dr. Barbara Sharief, Michael Udine, Nan Rich, Vice Mayor Dale V.C. Holness, Mayor Mark Bogen, Broward Commissioners Steve Geller, Lamar P. Fisher, Beam Furr.
DATE: December 13, 2018
MEDIA CONTACT: Kimberly Maroe
Broward County Commission Public Information Manager
kmaroe@broward.org
(954) 357-8053