(PHILADELPHIA) - A Pay Raise is On the Way for Some Subcontract Workers at the Philadelphia International Airport Who Took to the Picket Line Late Last Week in Order to Protest Low Wages.  Now, Prospect Airport Services Incorporated says an Increase in the Base Minimum Wage for its Philadelphia Workers "in the Near Future is Anticipated."

Non-Unionized Employees Who Work as Wheelchair Attendants, Baggage Handlers and Airplane Cleaners for Prospect And PrimeFlight Airline Services, Both Contractors That Provide Services for Airlines, Walked Off the Job After Unsuccessfully Pushing for Higher Pay and Better Working Conditions Over the Past Three Years, Including Other One-Day Strikes.  The Contracted Employees say They Make as Little as $7.25 Per Hour and Don't Receive Health Benefits or Paid Sick Leave.

Last Year, Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter Signed an Executive Order That Went Into Effect in January and Raised the Minimum Wage for City Contractors and Subcontractors to $12 an Hour.  But City Officials Have said They Can't Force Contractors and Subcontractors to Pay the New Minimum Standard Until New Contracts and Subcontracts are Signed.

Prospect Didn't Provide Specifics, But said the Forthcoming Raise Would be "Pursuant to the Mayor's Recent Executive Order."  The Des Plaines, Illinois-Based Company said Eligible Employees Can Enroll in Health-Insurance Plans "Through the Company, in Conjunction With the Affordable Care Act."  Paid Sick Leave "Will Soon be Available to All Prospect Employees Under the City of Philadelphia's New Ordinance," the Company said.

You Can Directly Access This Labor News Story at: http://www.philly.com/philly/business/20150403_Workers_picket_at_Philadelphia_International_Airport_over_wages.html#JDWBMELBDPRyjlsY.01