LAX Service Workers Push Demand for Better Pay and Benefits

September 17, 2008

Los Angeles, CA - Despite the severe economic downturn in the airline industry, Los Angeles International Airport Workers still pressed their demand for better pay and benefits and remained very optimistic that they will win.

LAX workers comprised of security workers, aircraft cabin cleaners, janitors, and attendants for passengers with disabilities, seek to increase pay, health benefits and training from their contractors.

In an interview, a worker disclosed that she can’t afford health insurance, and like her fellow workers, she is not formally trained.

A service worker makes about $10.50 per hour, almost $22, 000 a year.

It can be recalled that LAX workers had a strike before the Labor Day kick off, and negotiations have continued amid Service Employees International Union Local 1877 and the contractors.

According to a report, the union has received support from the city’s Airport Commission, L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and members of the city council, who are concerned about the airport’s poor performance in satisfaction surveys of consumers.

Further, they say that “they want a quality labor force if billions of dollars will be spent in modernizing the Los Angeles International Airport.

The mayor is also urging the airlines, the union and the contractors to make out a fair deal that identifies both the airlines and LAX service workers difficult economic times.