Hundreds of Sea-Tac Airport passenger service workers are expected to rally this Saturday, May 10, to demand access to affordable healthcare and stronger immigrant protections as they push for a new union contract.

The Noon rally at the Flag Pavilion near International Boulevard and Airport Expressway South in SeaTac comes as negotiations continue between airport employers and an all-women bargaining team representing workers including wheelchair agents, cabin cleaners and ramp agents.

“Right now, we are actively working on negotiating the best possible contract,” said Karina Babaiants, a SeaTac passenger service worker and member of the bargaining team. “We are calling on our whole union as well as the public to support us because we have a lot of work to do to lift up the workers who make the airport work, and who struggle to get by on low wages and inadequate healthcare.”

The demonstration follows two previous rallies held on March 28 and April 24 as part of the campaign. Workers’ demands include affordable health coverage, higher wages and contract protections that reflect the needs of the airport’s heavily immigrant workforce.

The rally takes place amid rising health concerns. Recent measles exposures at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport have intensified workers’ calls for comprehensive healthcare, as many remain uninsured. A recent SEIU6 survey found that 63 percent of passenger service workers lack insurance. SEA is currently the only major West Coast airport without a policy guaranteeing access to quality healthcare, organizers say.

Union members are also seeking immigrant worker protections such as union representation during reverification processes and up to 12 months of unpaid leave to address immigration issues while maintaining seniority.

The rally will be attended by elected officials, labor leaders, and community allies showing solidarity with airport workers. Participants are being encouraged to wear purple to show union pride and unity.

More information on the campaign can be found through SEIU6, the union representing many of the workers.