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SEIU protesters staged a one-day general strike at Los Angeles International Airport back on May 1 to protest what labor activists say are unfair practices by airlines using hired contractors instead of unionized employees. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Employees at Los Angeles International Airport were considering plans Friday to walk off the job ahead on what is traditionally the busiest traveling day of the year.
A coalition of Southland labor and community leaders are calling for the protest of alleged violations by LAX contractor Aviation Safeguards (AVSG) after breaking their contract with the airport earlier this year.
Andrew Gross-Gaitan, the director of the Southern California Airports Division of SEIU, told KNX 1070 NEWSRADIO that AVSG left more than 400 LAX workers without affordable family health care when it failed to comply with the city’s Living Wage Ordinance.
“When people’s lives are on the line, their family members are on the line, they’re not going to be able to enjoy their Thanksgiving,” said Gross-Gaitan. “This is really a critical moment for thousands of workers.”
As many as 1,000 airport workers and union supporters are expected to march on Century Boulevard just as an estimated 1.8 million passengers are expected to travel through LAX over the holiday weekend.
In March, SEIU workers staged a protest outside the Tom Bradley International Terminal, but despite some congestion, passengers were not prevented from entering the building.
This time, however, Gross-Gaitan would not dismiss the potential for severe disruptions to airport operations during the protest.
“It’s entirely possible there will be significant travel delays,” he said.
