Airport Workers in San Diego Demand Gov. Newsom Put Them on Vaccine Priority List

When California Gov. Gavin Newsom recalibrated the vaccine distribution hierarchy last week to an age-based approach, certain essential workers suddenly found themselves further back in the line than before.

That's a problem for custodians at California's airports, said Christian Ramirez, a policy director for SEIU United Service Workers union. On Thursday, Ramirez and about 40 other members of the union rallied in shifts at San Diego International Airport and held a memorial for uncounted airport workers who have died during the pandemic.

"A large number of (these) workers have been infected at the airport," Ramirez said. "It's an extra level of anxiety and stress. Many live in ZIP codes devastated by the pandemic."

Ramirez said that the essential airport workers who fell off the vaccine priority list include janitors who clean and sanitize airport terminals every day and who come in contact with thousands of passengers in the process.

"We're essential when they need us, but when we need them we're an afterthought," he said.

It's unclear how many airport workers have died of COVID. The Transportation Security Association has said 6,461 federal employees tested positive for COVID-19 and 14 have died during the pandemic.

Last week Newsom lifted California's stay-at-home order, which meant restaurants could again open for outdoor dining. Along with the move came new guidance on vaccine eligibility.

For now eligibility is tiered starting with people age 65 and older, who will be followed by teachers, farmers and first responders. The round after that, however, will target the next age group and will not expand to essential workers in manufacturing, transportation or commercial workers as was previously planned.

"We realize we have got to increase throughput here, and while we are proud of the framework we put out … we recognize that it has advantages and disadvantages as it relates to speed and efficiency," Newsom said last week about the new priority list.

As California struggles to deliver limited doses of the vaccine, concerns over inequities persist. Ramirez said airport workers and their families are at higher risk now than before the change in priorities.

"The vast majority of our members in San Diego live in communities south of the 94, where we're seeing utter devastation," Ramirez said. "Many live paycheck to paycheck. They're eager to get the vaccine as soon as possible."

This story originally appeared in San Diego Union-Tribune.

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