The Port of Seattle is committed to ensuring outstanding transportation services at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and also creating opportunities for drivers to work with dignity and decent incomes. The Port Commission intended the current contract for on-demand services would accomplish those goals. Since approval of the contract, we’ve seen significant disruption in the taxi marketplace with major impacts in the industry. We’ve been working diligently with the industry and drivers to find solutions.
Sea-Tac Airport taxi drivers who have raised concerns over conditions at their men’s restroom facility and suspensions by Eastside for Hire have valid concerns. The Port of Seattle has worked to put temporary remedies in place and is working on longer-term solutions.
Recent actions by the Port include:
- New portable restrooms and washing facilities were brought to the taxi driver parking lot. More portable units with washing facilities are on their way and we are accelerating a long term plan for renovation. We continue to work with the concessionaire to keep a commitment to improvements at the building. Commissioners, the Port’s Managing Director for Aviation and the Port’s interim Executive Director have met with drivers personally to hear their concerns.
- We strongly object to a statement made by an employee of our contractor about drivers in recent local article. We expect that that companies doing business with the Port treat their workers, contractors and the public with respect and dignity.
- We have expressed to Eastside for Hire that we are concerned about driver suspensions. Eastside for Hire has assured the Port that drivers are being offered the opportunity to return to work.
- We continue to actively engage with Eastside for Hire, labor leaders and drivers on their concerns. The Port of Seattle Commission will consider further actions on this issue during public meetings in September.
