Rosendahl, Koretz Call for Safer Work Conditions at LAX

Responding to union allegations of poor working conditions at Los Angeles International Airport, two City Council members today urged airlines to work closely with contractors to improve service and safety standards.

"It's clear to me that the conduct and practices of the airline service contractors are creating poor working conditions and causing these labor tensions," Councilman Bill Rosendahl said. "We need to address that problem now. I call on (Los Angeles World Airports) and the airlines to act swiftly to avoid major labor disruptions at LAX, the largest origin and destination airport in the world," he said.

Rosendahl and Councilman Paul Koretz introduced a motion calling for the city to strengthen the airport's Certified Service Provider Program, which is aimed at ensuring airlines enforce performance standards in the areas of employee relations, training, safety and contractor experience.

The councilmen suggested that the program also include protections for whistleblowers and a reduction in the number of contractors operating at the airport.

"It is absolutely fundamental that we need to have safe and appropriate working conditions at the airport, otherwise, people may be in jeopardy, and that includes workers and travelers alike," Koretz said. "Airline service contractors need to bear responsibility for ensuring acceptable working conditions at the airport, and if they fail they should face severe consequences, certainly including potentially losing their continued right to operate at the airport."

Hundreds of unionized airport workers staged a protest at the airport in March, decrying what they called "reckless" contractors who cut corners to save money. Koretz and Rosendahl noted that the union was planning more protests, including a large rally on May 1.