On February 19, hundreds of SEIU 721 members flooded the LAWA Board of Airport Commission meeting with a clear, united message: we won’t stand by as management tries to grab power and authority, undermine the City Charter, and threaten our livelihood by taking steps to undermine and disrespect us.

The resolution agendized by the LAWA Commission would have given CEO John Ackerman near unilateral authority to outsource essential functions of Los Angeles World Airports, including the vital day-to-day operations of SEIU 721 members, to unaccountable private contractors.

Thanks to our efforts, including the massive turnout of SEIU 721 members at the Commission meeting and dozens of our statements condemning the measure, the resolution was dropped at the last minute.

The world was watching, and our voices are still echoing throughout LAWA and beyond!

In fact, not only did the commission drop the proposed resolution, our unity and power at the meeting prompted CEO John Ackerman to kick off an apology tour – releasing a memo attempting to undermine our credibility and falsely claiming that no efforts were being made to streamline the contracting out process. 

But make no mistake: LAWA’s efforts to consolidate executive power and put civil service jobs on the chopping block presented a grave threat to our work and our families, and our collective voice stopped it dead in its tracks.

This monumental win marks a turning point at LAWA and has shown management that we’re willing to do whatever it takes to ensure that good, union jobs stay in-house – not sold off to the lowest bidder.

What’s next?

SEIU 721 looks forward to meeting with Akerman to fix the issues, and we will continue to champion the priorities of our members:

1. Fighting any similar resolution in the future.

2. Filling vacancies.

3. Adding positions.

4. No contracting out of bargaining unit work under any circumstances. 

We will monitor LAWA Commission agendas closely, and all members should stand ready to pack a meeting and defend civil service employment. Together, we will continue to center the realities of our frontline workforce, and champion real solutions that combat staffing shortages, address recruitment and retention deficiencies, and ensure that member jobs are protected as our city prepares to host major global events. We will not take our foot off the gas.

Be the first to know: Contact Ryan Murillo at 213-321-3776, and Text SEIU to 721721 for breaking news and up to the minute information.