Mayor calls for an audit of Port Authority-related revenue

NEWARK, NJ — Newark Mayor Ras Baraka will announce on Wednesday, Feb. 24, at noon, in a press briefing at Newark City Hall, details of a sweeping plan designed to maximize the city’s lease with the Port Authority of NY/NJ and ensure airport workers receive a living wage. It calls for conducting an audit, a process that is already in the works, to ensure the city receives its fair share of rent payments under the lease agreement with the bi-state agency. The long term agreement, which is based on complex formulas, includes a provision to periodically reexamine gross revenues received by the Port Authority from Newark Liberty International Airport and Port Newark.

“I made it clear during my first state of the city address in 2015 that the Port Authority must be a better partner with the city,” said Baraka. “If not, I would seek other suitors for our valuable land by putting out an ROI (Request of Interest). And that’s exactly what we have done.”

The mayor also plans to create the city of Newark Office of Port Authority Oversight. The individuals hired to this office will examine all capital projects affecting Newark and work toward helping to increase job opportunities.

“Transparency will help strengthen our relationship with the Port Authority,” said Baraka. “It’s fitting that we have a seat at the table when the discussion concerns projects that impact our city.”

According to Baraka’s comprehensive plan, airport workers will receive a minimum wage of $15 per hour.

“For far too long, contracted airport workers at Newark Liberty International Airport have struggled to survive on poverty wages,” said Kevin Brown, 32BJ vice president and NJ state director. “A $15 minimum wage will help these hardworking men and women afford the basics and leave them with a little left over to spend in the local economy and that benefits everyone.  We applaud Mayor Baraka for taking a stand for working families.”

Port Newark provides more than 143,000 direct jobs to regional residents, many of whom make just $10.10 an hour, in one of the most expensive states in the country.

  Mayor Ras Baraka, Port Authority