Debate over applying wage-and-benefit floor at MSP draws packed testimony from workers and businesses

Representative Bird introduced House File 3878, a proposal to tie compensation and benefits for service workers at Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) airports — including MSP — to an established floor intended to ensure wages and affordable health care. The sponsor argued that many airport service workers are unable to afford health care and that airports receive public support, citing a reported $37.4 million in jet-fuel tax subsidy in 2024 and an assertion that Delta received $23.6 million of that subsidy.

Dozens of testifiers followed. Airport workers, union representatives and community advocates described low pay, limited benefits and incidents of workers being detained by federal immigration enforcement while traveling to work; they urged the committee to pass the bill to ensure dignity and health-care access. Members of Service Employees International Union and advocacy groups emphasized safety and continuity of airport operations.

Opponents included the MSP Small Business Concessions Alliance, the Saint Paul Area Chamber, the Minneapolis Regional Chamber, Delta Air Lines, and small concession operators. Their testimony warned that an imposed wage-and-benefit floor would raise operating costs, advantage large multinational firms in MAC procurements, reduce benefit choice, and could force vendors to exit MAC properties or move to other airports with lower mandates. Delta's representative said that even Delta's comprehensive benefits might not meet the bill's requirements and that compliance would add significant cost.

Committee members questioned scope, exclusions (flight attendants, pilots, federal/state/local employees, independent contractors), and possible unintended effects on small employers. Representative Bird said pilots and flight attendants are excluded and that the focus is on frontline service workers.

The bill was laid over for further consideration; members signaled more work on tailoring scope and understanding economic impacts.