San Francisco Proposal Would Raise SFO Contract Workers’ Minimum Pay to $30 by 2030

SAN FRANCISCO — November 7, 2026. A proposal at City Hall could raise minimum pay for thousands of contracted employees working at San Francisco International Airport to $30 an hour by 2030. The idea is under consideration and is not an enacted wage requirement.

Who could be covered?

Supervisor Rafael Mandelman introduced the proposal, which would affect a range of airport service workers, including baggage handlers, wheelchair attendants, cabin cleaners and rental-car employees, according to San Francisco Chronicle reporting. The proposal would not cover every business at the airport: the report notes distinct wage arrangements for terminal restaurants and retail workers and does not include airport hotel employees in the proposed group.

Why the change is being discussed

Labor advocates argue that low wages in the region make it difficult for workers to afford housing and remain in their jobs, potentially affecting turnover and service reliability. The debate comes against the backdrop of a high regional cost of living and separate efforts to increase pay for airport employees in Los Angeles.

What happens next

Seven supervisors have co-sponsored the legislation, the Chronicle reported, but the measure still must move through the city’s legislative process. A co-sponsor count is not a final vote, and the proposal’s ultimate terms could change. Businesses, workers and travelers should watch the Board of Supervisors’ agenda for hearings, amendments and decisions.

Source: San Francisco Chronicle, November 6, 2026.

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