Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Andrew J. Meyers
Department: County Attorney
Information
Requested Action
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MOTION TO ENACT Ordinance, the title of which is as follows:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA, PERTAINING TO THE BROWARD COUNTY LIVING WAGE ORDINANCE; AMENDING SECTION 26-101 OF THE BROWARD COUNTY CODE OF ORDINANCES ("CODE"); AMENDING REQUIREMENTS FOR SKYCAPS AND EMPLOYEES PERFORMING PORTER ASSISTANCE SERVICES TO RECEIVE A LIVING WAGE; AND PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, INCLUSION IN THE CODE, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
(Sponsored by Commissioner Mark D. Bogen)
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Why Action is Necessary
A Resolution directing the County Administrator to publish notice of public hearing to consider enactment of the Ordinance was adopted by the Board of County Commissioners at its meeting of October 19, 2021.
What Action Accomplishes
Permits the Board to consider enacting an Ordinance that amends the Living Wage Ordinance to cover skycaps and other employees performing porter assistance services at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.
Is this Action Goal Related
Yes
Previous Action Taken
Summary Explanation/Background
This action supports the Board's Value of "Ensuring economic opportunities for Broward's diverse population and businesses."
On September 21, 2021, the Board directed the Office of the County Attorney to draft an amendment to the Broward County Living Wage Ordinance ("Living Wage Ordinance") to require that skycaps (i.e., employees who handle luggage, perform curbside check-in, and work primarily for tips) earn a living wage at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport ("Airport"). The Board has a proprietary interest in ensuring safe, secure, seamless, and efficient operations at the Airport. High levels of worker turnover, inconsistent and insufficient training, and employee unrest would threaten to undermine this interest. Given the critical economic importance of the Airport and the impact of service workers on security, public health, and passenger satisfaction with the Airport, the proposed expansion of the Living Wage Ordinance furthers the County's proprietary interest. Moreover, the expansion of the Living Wage Ordinance is designed to enable workers to better support and care for their families and to fully participate in Broward County's economic, civic, and cultural experiences.
The proposed Ordinance would expand the living wage requirements to apply to skycaps and employees of airline service providers who perform porter assistance services, including curbside check-in. The proposed Ordinance also changes the reference from "gratuity" to "tip" to better align with the United States Department of Labor's definitions for "tipped" employees.
Source of Additional Information
Adam Katzman, Senior Assistant County Attorney, 954-357-7600
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
Per the Office of Management and Budget, the estimated impact on the budget does not exceed the threshold required for a Fiscal Impact Statement.