Airport Workers Rally Over 'Unsafe Conditions' At LAX After Man's Death
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Airport workers rallied Thursday over what they claim are unsafe conditions at LAX following the death of a Menzies Aviation employee.
Cesar Augusto Valenzuela was struck and killed on the LAX mid-field service road on February 21 after falling from a luggage tug, according to a police report.
Dozens of supporters gathered to remember Valenzuela and protest what they say are unsafe conditions on the job.
"We've had other workers say that they've had some equipment problems," Tim Maddox, an LAX service worker and member of United Service Workers West, told City News Service.
"I think that if we have a standard where we're at a world-class airport, then there should be jobs that are safe not only for the workers, but for the passengers," Maddox added.
A spokesperson for UK-based Menzies Aviation has said they are unable to comment due to an ongoing appeal stemming from $95,000 in fines for alleged safety violations issued last year.
Cal/OSHA, which protects workers from safety hazards, has said those violations have since been corrected.
The federal agency is investigating the death, as well as the safety plan of the company.
RELATED STORIES:
Family, Friends Gather To Honor LAX Worker Who Died After Falling From Luggage Tug
LAX Worker Fatally Struck By Luggage-Moving Cart
(©2014 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)
