Order No. 2026-04 - Explore Program to Facilitate Secure Area Access for Union Business

Representatives Page 1 of 3

Sponsors: Commissioner Hasegawa

Commissioner Calkins

ORDER NO. 2026-04

AN ORDER OF THE PORT OF SEATTLE COMMISSION

…to direct the Executive Director to explore a program to facilitate

secure area access for union business representatives that represent

workers at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

PROPOSED

April 28, 2026

INTRODUCTION

In May 2025, the Port Commission adopted Order No. 2025-07, directing the Executive Director

to conduct the necessary legal, operational, and security analysis regarding Port-issued SIDA

access badges for union representatives, and to return to the Commission with recommendations.

On December 12, 2025, the Executive Director provided a report responding to that Order, which

outlined regulatory constraints, stakeholder feedback, and operational considerations.

The Executive Director's report recommended maintaining current practices of escorted access and

employer-sponsored badges, while acknowledging the interest of labor unions in effectively

representing their members. The report noted that the Port had requested input from the

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) on whether such access would be granted and the

TSA provided a written response stating that such access was not an operational need under federal

regulations and as such would decline a proposal for Port-sponsored SIDA badges for union

representatives.

Following the report, the Commission convened with labor stakeholders and Port staff to discuss

the needs expressed by labor and the needs of the Port to maintain security and operational

continuity. These discussions identified several potential mechanisms, including a sterile access

program comparable to the existing SEA Visitor Pass Program.

This Order directs the Executive Director to explore a program that facilitates temporary and

limited access for a defined group of union business representatives to meet with the employees

they represent while ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

Agenda Item 10a_Order

Meeting Date: April 28, 2026

Order No. 2026-04 - Explore Program to Facilitate Secure Area Access for Union Business

Representatives Page 2 of 3

TEXT OF THE ORDER

The Port Commission hereby directs the Executive Director to explore a program to facilitate

access to the sterile area for union business representatives that represent workers at SEA. In

carrying out this directive, the Executive Director shall:

1. Explore Alternative Access Mechanisms:

Evaluate the feasibility of multiple approaches to facilitate sterile area access for union

business representatives, including but not limited to:

a. A sterile access program comparable to the SEA Visitor Pass Program, with parameters

tailored for union business representatives;

b. Expansion or enhancement of the existing employer-sponsored badge program; and

c. Other mechanisms identified through stakeholder engagement or TSA dialogue.

2. Establish Program Parameters:

Any program developed shall incorporate the following parameters:

d. Eligibility limited to a defined group of union business representatives that currently

represent workers employed in the sterile area, with the limited number of eligible

representatives determined in consultation with labor stakeholders;

e. Access purposes limited to administering collective bargaining agreements, meeting

with employees they represent, and observing working conditions of employees they

represent within areas accessible to the public: Any program will explicitly prohibit

organizing activities, which remain subject to existing Airport Rules and Regulations

governing First Amendment activities;

f. Appropriate security screening and background check requirements consistent with

TSA regulations;

g. Training requirements for participating union representatives on airport security

protocols and operational procedures; and

h. Clear terms of use and enforcement mechanisms, including provisions for revocation

and termination of the program

i. This program shall be piloted for 180 days from implementation date, pending

Executive Director review and consultation with participating union representatives

and other relevant stakeholders. Based on that review, the Executive Director shall

make a recommendation to the Commission regarding the extension of the pilot

program or program adoption.

3. Report to the Commission:

Provide a written report and briefing to the Port Commission no later than June 1, 2026,

including stakeholder feedback, recommended program design, implementation timeline,

and any required policy changes for Commission review and consideration.

Order No. 2026-04 - Explore Program to Facilitate Secure Area Access for Union Business

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STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF THE ORDER

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport helps nearly 53 million passengers get safely to and from

their destinations every year. That level of service is made possible by over 22,000 workers

employed by more than 100 employers. Many of these workers are represented by labor unions

whose functions include administering collective bargaining agreements, supporting represented

employees, addressing grievances, enforcing workplace rights, and ensuring compliance with

labor agreements.

The Commission has heard from union representatives that current access mechanisms – primarily

escorted visits and employer-sponsored badges – present challenges to access to their members.

These representatives have said these escorted visits require workers to step away from their duties,

may raise concerns about management observation, and can be logistically difficult to arrange.

While two employers currently sponsor badges for union representatives, this practice is not

uniformly available across all unions representing SEA workers.

Union representatives have expressed an interest for a defined group of union business

representatives to have periodic access to the secure side of the airport. Such access would enable

these representatives to maintain institutional knowledge, build relationships with employees that

they represent, observe working conditions of employees that they represent, and provide timely

support to employees that they represent. This is distinct from organizing activities, which the

Commission acknowledges are appropriately limited to public areas on the public side of the

airport in designated areas under existing Airport Rules and Regulations.

The Port has a strong history of supporting workers and partnering with organized labor. The

Commission's investments in SEA workforce programs – including the Childcare Navigator

program, transit benefits, and healthcare study – reflect this commitment. Exploring mechanisms

to facilitate effective union representation is consistent with these values and supports the

Commission's goal of ensuring that SEA remains a place where workers can thrive.

This Order directs the Executive Director to build on the work completed under Order

No. 2025-07 by exploring concrete program options, engaging stakeholders, and returning to the

Commission with recommendations. The Commission recognizes that any program must comply

with TSA regulations and operational requirements and looks forward to reviewing possible

alternatives that serve the interests of workers, unions, employers, and the traveling public.