HOUSTON – Houston airport workers will see their wages increase under a new executive order announced Wednesday by Mayor John Whitmire, with pay eventually reaching $23 an hour in 2028.
Whitmire made the announcement alongside SEIU Texas President Elsa Flores, Houston City Council Member Joaquin Martinez and labor leaders during an emotional news conference at City Hall.
Under the executive order, contracted airport workers will see their minimum wage increase to $20 an hour beginning Wednesday, according to Whitmire.
The wage will then increase to:
- $21 an hour on Jan. 1, 2027
- $22 an hour in October 2027
- $23 an hour in 2028
Flores said the increase will mean a $5-per-hour raise this year for contracted airport workers.
She said the goal is not only to increase wages, but to provide thousands of workers with greater economic stability.
“Airport workers are Houston’s first impression, and often it’s last,” Flores said. “They keep our airports clean, safe, and running every single day.”
Flores said higher wages could also lead to less turnover, smoother airport operations, safer airports and higher customer satisfaction.
‘I can breathe a little easier’
One of the most emotional moments of the announcement came when Augusta Dillon, an airport worker at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, shared what the wage increase means for her family.
Dillon said she has worked at IAH for years, working 10-hour shifts four days a week while earning $16.75 an hour.
She said she is also raising her six-year-old grandson and has struggled to afford rent, daycare, insurance, utilities, groceries and clothing.
“We don’t just live paycheck to paycheck,” Dillon said. “We are always robbing Peter to pay Paul.”
Dillon became emotional as she told the crowd that she recently had to choose between paying her car note and her rent.
She chose to pay her rent.
“Yesterday they took possession of my car because I couldn’t make that payment,” Dillon said.
But she said Wednesday’s announcement gave her hope.
“I can breathe a little easier knowing I can buy groceries without worrying so much about what I have to put back,” she said.
Dillon said the higher wages will also mean she can say “yes” to her grandson more often instead of having to tell him no.
She said she is looking forward to catching up financially instead of always falling behind and hopes she will soon be able to get another car.
“I am thinking about that car that I just lost that I will be soon, I’ll be able to get it again,” Dillon said.
The moment prompted an immediate response from SEIU worker, who stood up and said he would donate $1,000 to help her get her car back.
The crowd erupted in cheers.
Whitmire then told those gathered that the moment was an example of why they come to work.
“This is why you come to work,” Whitmire said. “This is why we come to learn.”
‘One job should be enough’
Martinez, who chairs the Houston City Council’s Labor Committee, said the wage increase is about allowing workers to support themselves and their families with one job.
“One job should be enough,” Martinez said.
He pointed to the rising cost of rent and groceries and said the new wages will give workers more opportunity to spend time with their families and communities.
“When our working families do well, all of Houston does well,” Martinez said.
Willie Gonzalez, a leader with UNITE HERE, said wages are important, but the fight is also about something he called “respect” for workers.
He said the wage increase represents another step in ensuring workers at Houston’s airports, hotels and other facilities are treated with dignity.
“We’ve stepped one rung up the ladder, but there’s a lot rungs to go,” Gonzalez said.
Whitmire promises better working conditions
Whitmire said the executive order goes beyond wages.
He said workers should also have better working conditions and emphasized that bullying will not be tolerated in any city department.
“We do not tolerate bullying,” Whitmire said.
Whitmire said the workers who help operate Houston’s airports and other city facilities play a critical role in the city’s success.
He also praised organized labor and the workers who helped Houston successfully host major events, including FIFA.
“Some people run for office because they’re looking for a political career,” Whitmire said. “I run for office because I want to make a difference.”
Flores said the impact of the wage increase extends beyond individual workers, particularly into Black and Latino communities.
She said higher wages mean more money going home with workers and being spent at local grocery stores, restaurants and small businesses.
“Today, Houston is saying that their work is valued, that their families matter and the people who make this city work should be able to have a good future in our city,” Flores said.
The new wage schedule is expected to bring thousands of contracted airport workers to $23 an hour by 2028.