Union Members Protest at LAX
About 1,000 Los Angeles International Airport workers and supporters protested outside the airport's Tom Bradley International Terminal to stage a sit-down protest on Thursday, calling for the "immediate" termination of any agreement with contractors who jeopardize the health and safety of airport workers.
Protesters from the grassroots activist organization Good Jobs L.A. joined over 1,000 anticipated airport workers, community members, interfaith leaders and other demonstrators in support of their call for good jobs at LAX.
Airlines at LAX have outsourced passenger service jobs to low-road contractors, according to the Good Jobs L.A.'s website. The organization also reported that Aviation Safeguards, one of the contractor companies hired by several of LAX's airlines, including Virgin Atlantic, United Continental, Air France and Alaska reported more than $2.5 billion in net profits last year, but walked away from its contract with more than 400 LAX workers.
Regional Vice President Joe Conlon at Aviation Safeguards stated that "LAX is a great place for the company's employees. The employees are happy with what they do. What you're hearing is not reflective of our employees. It may be others, but it's not Aviation Safeguard's employees."
Conlon said that Aviation Safeguards' workers provide several services at LAX receive wages guaranteed by the city's Living Wage Ordinance. These workers include wheelchair assistance, skycap workers, baggage handlers, and security personnel.
Conlon claimed that in December 2011, employees of Aviation Safeguard have seen increases in their wages after breaking ties with the Service Employees International Union.
"The employees of Aviation Safeguards voted to terminate a contract with the SEIU in December 2011," Conlon said. "As a result their wages and benefits are now guaranteed by the city of Los Angeles' Living Wage Ordinance for as long as they work at LAX and with Aviation Safeguards."
Thursday's protest was the only demonstration on the calendar for those in support of the workers. Contract negotiations are expected to continue through the month.
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