Maryland Gov. Wes Moore announced Monday that direct Maryland Aviation Administration contract workers at BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport will receive a minimum wage of at least $18 an hour.
Moore directed the Maryland Department of Transportation to ensure that workers employed under direct contracts with the Maryland Aviation Administration are paid no less than $18 per hour. The announcement was made during a Labor Day event with 32BJ SEIU leadership and Maryland Transportation Secretary Katie Thomson.
Moore also announced plans to introduce emergency legislation at the beginning of the 2027 Maryland General Assembly session to extend and reform the Secure Maryland Wage Act, which is scheduled to expire this year. The proposed changes would create a pathway toward higher wages for BWI workers who are employed by contractors that do not contract directly with the Maryland Aviation Administration.
The Secure Maryland Wage Act was originally passed in 2021 and increased wages for MAA contract workers. According to the Governor’s Office, approximately 700 to 800 workers at BWI are currently excluded because they are not directly contracted by the agency.
Moore said the proposed legislation would also seek annual wage increases, paid leave and a health and welfare supplement for covered airport workers. The details of the legislation are expected to be introduced when the 2027 legislative session begins.
