LAX Workers Protest For Good Jobs

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — More than 1,000 LAX workers and supporters marched at the airport Thursday, calling for good jobs.

Nearly 2,500 service workers – including cabin cleaners, wheel-chair attendants, baggage handlers and cargo workers – are currently negotiating their agreement with airline contractors at LAX.

The airline industry is projected to make $19.7 billion in profits in 2014.

Despite growing industry profits, airline contractors are proposing wage freezes, reductions in hours and making access to healthcare more expensive at a time when underpaid workers around the country are making strides towards better jobs, representatives of SEIU United Service Workers West said.

The protest was scheduled to last from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Workers and supporters started at the Tom Bradley International Terminal before marching to the LAX administrative offices located within the airport on One World Way.

Last week airport workers voted to authorize a strike if necessary to defend their right to unite for good jobs at LAX. A strike, if needed, may be called within the next week, union leaders said.

Airport officials say there may be traffic delays as a result of the march.