A House measure that aims to protect workers at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport from losing their jobs when a new contractor takes over is meeting sharper opposition in the Senate.

The measure sponsored by Democratic Rep. Dave Upthegrove, D-Des Moines … would require new contractors providing services within the airport to retain the previous contractor’s employees for up to 90 days. If the performance of employees is satisfactory, the new contractor would have to offer them a job.

During the hearing, Port of Seattle lobbyist Linda Hull said the port is not taking a stand on the bill, but added that 2005 lawsuit by a concessionaire has prompted the port to look at the labor harmony agreement. Hull said the judge warned the port that its agreement with the union could be in violation of federal and state law.

From the Seattle Times