Key Takeaways
• JFK and LaGuardia airport wages will rise from $19 to $25 per hour by January 2032.
• Workers gain paid vacation (2-5 weeks), 10 paid holidays, and standard health coverage across NYC regional airports.
• Part-time staff are now covered, with exemptions for small employers; Stewart International may also join soon.
Thousands of airport workers at JFK and LaGuardia airports are set to receive better pay and improved benefits, thanks to the latest New York State Budget for the 2026 fiscal year. This new policy, signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul, changes the Healthy Terminals Act and brings lasting changes for many workers at these major airports in New York City. Service workers union 32BJ SEIU has welcomed these updates, saying they make a real difference for people who keep the city’s airports running every day.
Bigger Wages and Better Benefits at JFK and LaGuardia
The new plan offers some of the strongest wage increases seen in recent years for airport workers at JFK and LaGuardia. Right now, workers make $19 an hour. By January 2032, this will go up to $25 an hour. To break this down:
- Workers will see a $2.25 bump on their paychecks by the end of this year.
- There are three planned raises of $0.75 each—one in January 2025, one in July 2025, and another in January 2026.
– From January 1, 2027, wages will go up every year, based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) three-year average for the Northeast. The CPI is a number that tracks how much prices for everyday things like food and rent go up (or sometimes down), so this approach tries to make sure wages keep up with real living costs.
But the good news isn’t just about bigger paychecks. Workers will also benefit from:
- 2 to 5 weeks of paid vacation, depending on how long they’ve worked at the airport.
- 10 paid holidays every year, instead of just one, which was all they had before.
- Standard health benefits for every airport worker in New York City’s regional airports. Before, not every worker had access to health coverage.
For thousands of families in New York City, these changes can mean real stability, especially during hard times.
Expanded Coverage to Protect More Workers
The budget doesn’t only help full-time employees. Now, part-time workers at both JFK and LaGuardia are also included in these protections. This change is especially important because many airport jobs, like cleaning, baggage handling, and security, often use part-time staff.
The updated Healthy Terminals Act still leaves a way out for the smallest employers. If a company working inside one of these airports has 10 or fewer employees, it may be exempt from these new requirements. This part of the law aims to help very small businesses that might find it hard to afford the same benefits as larger companies.
Another big step is that the law now makes sure all airports defined as “regional” in New York City give workers the same pay and health benefits. No matter which NYC airport you work at, you’ll know what rights and pay you can expect.
There’s also a move to include Stewart International Airport in these rules. A separate bill is in the Senate Labor Committee, waiting to decide if this airport will offer the same guarantees to workers as JFK and LaGuardia.
Why the Changes Matter: Economic and Social Impacts
The Port Authority, which looks after JFK and LaGuardia, says these wage increases are not just about fairness. They are meant to do a few things:
- Keep the best workers in their jobs longer by paying them fairly, which means the airport runs more smoothly. Fewer people leave for other jobs, which saves airports from having to train new people all the time.
- Give travelers a better experience by having more skilled, happy workers available to help.
- Support upgrades at JFK and LaGuardia. The Port Authority is investing in better terminals, updates to runways, and more food and shopping choices. A trained workforce helps keep these new services running well.
Putting more money and solid health benefits in workers’ pockets also means they’re better able to deal with expensive medical bills or support their families. Paid vacation and holidays can ease stress and let workers rest, making them stronger for the demands of airport jobs.
What Led to These Changes?
For years, workers at JFK and LaGuardia have been pushing for better pay and more respect. Unions like 32BJ SEIU have shared stories about employees struggling to afford rent, medical bills, or even a day off to spend with family. Many workers stayed in their jobs through tough times, including the COVID-19 pandemic, often risking their health to help keep airports open.
Before this update, airport jobs in New York were known for low pay, strict time-off rules, and little hope for health insurance or retirement benefits. An airport worker’s day can mean standing on your feet for hours, carrying heavy loads, or cleaning spaces non-stop from early morning to late at night.
As the cost of living has climbed in the city, the idea that people working such important jobs should still struggle to pay for basics didn’t sit well with many. Elected officials, worker groups, and even some employers agreed that change was needed to keep workers in these vital roles.
How the New York State Budget Backs Up These Changes
The state budget for 2026 goes further than just airport jobs. It also improves unemployment benefits—extra money for workers who lose their jobs—and helps people hurt at work get better medical care.
By including airport worker wage and benefit increases in the larger budget deal, lawmakers made it clear they see this as part of protecting New York’s economy and its workers. Extra details about the state’s finances and how these changes fit into the big picture can be found on the official New York State budget page.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the push to boost airport worker pay came with wide support from unions, immigrant rights groups, and traveler groups. With tens of thousands of airport workers in the five boroughs and many being immigrants from all over the world, these workers are a key part of the city’s economy and community.
What It Means for Immigrant Workers at JFK and LaGuardia
Many of the people who will benefit from the new law are immigrants. Airports like JFK and LaGuardia hire people from all over the globe. Some speak only a little English. Others have come to the United States 🇺🇸 for a new start in life. These airport jobs often give them their first chance at work in New York.
The boost in wages and benefits helps immigrants support their families both in the United States 🇺🇸 and, in many cases, abroad. Stable jobs with fair pay can also help immigrants find better places to live, save for their children’s education, or send money to family members in their home countries.
Since many immigrants in these jobs may not have had good health insurance before, new medical benefits can be life-changing. Workers can visit a doctor, take their children to the dentist, or get prescriptions without worrying as much about how to pay for them.
More paid vacation and holidays help these workers manage the pressures of demanding jobs. This means they have time off for important family or religious events, which is especially important for families who are trying to build new lives far from relatives back home.
The Role of the Port Authority
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey runs JFK, LaGuardia, and several other large airports. It has said clearly that keeping workers happy and well-paid helps everyone—travelers, airport owners, and the city’s economy.
When workers stay longer in their jobs, airports don’t need to spend as much time and money training new hires. Skilled, experienced workers are more likely to spot problems and keep things safe for everyone. A stable workforce also means lines move faster, bags are handled with care, and travelers are more likely to get help when they need it.
The Changes in Numbers
To give a sense of how these changes play out, here are some key numbers:
- The starting pay is rising from $19 to $25 an hour over about eight years.
- Vacation time is growing from as little as two weeks for new workers to as much as five weeks for those with more seniority.
- Paid holidays jump from only one day a year to 10. This is a big improvement for people who may have never been able to take off work for holidays.
- With every year after January 1, 2027, future pay raises will keep up with rising costs in the Northeast United States 🇺🇸, instead of lagging behind.
Different Views on the New Law
Not everyone agrees on every part of the new wage plan. Some small companies inside JFK and LaGuardia say that higher pay for workers means higher prices for travelers or less business for smaller stores.
However, most elected officials and airport users seem to support better pay and benefits, arguing that treating workers well makes airports safer, friendlier, and better for business in the long run. The health benefit rule especially addresses long-standing complaints about low-wage workers going without medical care.
Looking Forward: What’s Next for New York’s Airport Workers
The laws are now in place, but much will depend on how they are enforced. Both workers and employers will have to follow the new rules, and there may be questions about how part-time coverage works or how exemptions for small employers are approved.
Those watching the airport industry closely believe this new step could inspire similar changes at other airports across the United States 🇺🇸, especially in big cities where many workers struggle with high living costs.
Where to Learn More and What You Can Do
Workers, employers, and anyone interested in following the changes can find official wage and benefit rules for JFK and LaGuardia on the Port Authority’s official page. It’s a good idea for workers to check these updates often, especially if you have questions about your own pay or health benefits.
For those wanting to learn more, the complete New York State Budget is public and includes many sections on health care, education, and jobs. Reviewing the details helps everyone know what laws their city is passing and what rights they have.
The Bigger Picture
In conclusion, the expansion of benefits for workers at JFK and LaGuardia through the New York State Budget marks a big step for airport labor rights, wage fairness, and stronger communities in New York City. By tying pay to economic changes and expanding health and vacation benefits, the new policy supports workers’ families, immigrant communities, and the city’s reputation as a global gateway.
Travelers may not notice these changes right away. But over time, they are likely to see a workforce that is more stable, helpful, and professional. Meanwhile, workers can look forward to not just bigger paychecks, but safer and healthier lives.
If you work at JFK, LaGuardia, or another New York regional airport, these changes affect you. As rules roll out and agencies clarify details, staying informed is your best protection. The Port Authority and State of New York are sharing updates online, and support from unions and community groups promises continued attention.
For ongoing coverage, analysis, and step-by-step guides, VisaVerge.com remains a leading source for news and updates about airport labor rights and immigration-related work issues across the United States 🇺🇸.
Learn Today
Healthy Terminals Act → A New York law mandating higher pay and improved health benefits for airport workers in regional NYC airports.
32BJ SEIU → A large service workers union representing airport, janitorial, and building service employees in the New York area.
Consumer Price Index (CPI) → An economic measure tracking changes in prices of essentials, used here to adjust future wage increases for inflation.
Port Authority → The agency that manages JFK, LaGuardia, and other major transport facilities in New York and New Jersey.
Regional Airport → An airport serving a specific geographic area, as defined in NY law to ensure equal worker protections at those locations.
This Article in a Nutshell
Starting in 2026, airport workers at JFK and LaGuardia will see phased wage increases, new health coverage, and more paid time off. Backed by New York’s budget law, these improvements include part-time staff, stabilizing jobs for thousands—many immigrants—and setting a model for airport labor reform nationwide.
— By VisaVerge.com
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