Airline Workers Stage Large, Loud Demonstration at LAX

Hundreds Protest Safety and Neglected Security Issues in the Airline Industry

On Wednesday afternoon, while traveling, I witnessed a very large, very loud but peaceful demonstration at LAX Tom Bradley International airport. The demonstration was carried out by the Airport Workers United SEIU Local 1877 Union.

The demonstrators call on all passengers to seize an historic opportunity to improve service standards at airports. The demonstrators state there is more to the safety issue than meets the eye. They feel training of all airport workers is inadequate, especially where allowing the airport workers to support security, safety and services impact these topics.

The demonstrators handed out fliers, explaining the following points:

"Some airports have more than 40 contractors servicing of airlines including surveillance officers, wheelchair assistance, sky caps, baggage handlers, cabin cleaners, janitors, ramp and cargo crews -- without adequate oversight or accountability on critical matters such as training, equipment, clearances, identification badges or access to restricted areas of the airport.

"The failure of the airlines to establish professional standards among airport service work has created a race to the bottom and fuels a turnover rate rivaling that of the fast-food industry, sending quality jobs, services and security into a tailspin."

The union has an estimated 20,000 airline service workers in the state. A quarter are facing contract expiration dates this summer. The impact and lack of attention to the security aspects of the hight turn over rate of these employees is being underestimated, according to union officials.