Los Angeles City Council backs measures to protect airport security and aid displaced LAX workers

The Los Angeles City Council on Sept. 25 approved a package of measures aimed at shoring up security at Los Angeles International Airport while helping workers laid off or displaced after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Council action followed extended public comment from airport employees, union representatives and Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) officials, who described immediate layoffs, redeployments and ongoing operational changes tied to new Federal Aviation Administration rules.

The council adopted amendments and a final motion directing city staff to (1) work with LAWA and federal authorities on options to reopen parts of the central terminal area where safe, (2) create an economic impact task force to identify redeployment, retraining and other relief for displaced airport workers, and (3) press federal and state officials for relief funding targeted to affected employees and small businesses. The council also asked the CAO and the Emergency Preparedness Department to coordinate and report back within the deadlines set by the motions.

Why it matters: LAX is a major regional employer and economic engine. City officials and union leaders said the airport shutdown and new security measures could put thousands of workers out of jobs unless the city, airport and federal government act to restore operations and provide short‑ and long‑term assistance.

Public comment and LAWA briefing

Workers and their union representatives told council that hundreds of service employees had already been laid off and that many more jobs were at risk. "We estimate that between 10,000 and 12,000" direct LAX jobs could be lost, LAWA Executive Director Lydia Kennard told council during the briefing, describing…