Press Release

RELEASE: Denver DSA Supports a Living Wage for Airport Workers

Date: August 28, 2018

Denver, CO — On Thursday, August 23, a diverse coalition of labor unions and community organizations officially launched the “$15 for DIA” campaign. Led by UNITE HERE Local 23, this citywide ballot measure would raise the minimum wage for Denver International Airport workers to $15 an hour. The Denver chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), the Denver Area Labor Federation, the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition, Democratic nominee for SD 34 Julie Gonzales, and many more have endorsed the initiative.

Denver DSA issued the following statement in response to the campaign kickoff:

The publicly-owned Denver International Airport generates over $26 billion annually. Another year of record growth is forecast for 2018. The airlines are reaping profits for their shareholders and executives like never before. Yet, the workers who actually produce this wealth are being left behind.

Thousands of Colorado families — predominantly immigrants and people of color — are living in poverty amid this prosperity. Some longtime employees at companies like United still make less than $12 an hour after 20 years on the job. Many DIA workers earn no more than the current state minimum wage of $10.20 an hour. Meanwhile, across the airport, management continues to fight tooth and nail to deny workers’ right to organize and bargain collectively.

This situation is unacceptable. That’s why Denver DSA has endorsed a citywide ballot initiative to raise the minimum wage for all DIA workers to $15. Alongside our coalition partners, we have already begun talking to voters and gathering the initial signatures to get the question on the May 2019 ballot.

It’s time ordinary people in Colorado fought back against the greed of corporations, developers, and their political lackeys. Join us and build worker power at DIA! Check out the Denver DSA Facebook page to find opportunities to volunteer.