Group pushing for $15 minimum wage at SeaTac Airport

SEATAC, Wash. — A group pushing for a $15 minimum wage at SeaTac Airport spent part of Friday afternoon attacking Alaska Airlines' most recent profit report.

“Yes for SeaTac” handed out flyers pointing out that yesterday the company announced they made $508 million in profit last year, compared to $316 million in 2012.  In October, the airline also increased baggage fees from $20 dollars for the first and second bags to $25.

Despite the profits, Alaska Airlines has argued in court that the city of SeaTac's newly passed $15 dollar minimum wage does not apply to SeaTac Airport because it is controlled by the Port of Seattle.  A King County agreed, and blocked the pay increase for all airport employees in December.

The Washington Supreme Court will likely weigh in on the issue this spring.

A spokesman for the airline said the company works with its baggage handling vendor to make sure a fair wage is paid.  He said by the time workers are at the airport for two years they make about $12 an hour.

KIRO