Los Angeles council adopts package to help LAX workers, backs expanded security steps

Los Angeles City Council on Friday approved a package of actions aimed at cushioning the economic impact of widespread layoffs tied to tightened security and reduced airline service at Los Angeles International Airport, while urging stronger federal and local security measures.

The council voted 12-0 to adopt an amended resolution (filed as Item 18) that asks federal officials for assistance, directs Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) and city departments to pursue rapid worker-support measures, and instructs staff to report back on an economic impact and redeployment plan. The vote followed testimony from airport workers and union representatives who described sudden, large-scale layoffs among screeners, concessions and ground-service staff.

Why it matters: LAX is one of the region’s largest employers and a major economic engine. Council members and LAWA officials told the chamber that layoffs there could ripple across hotels, rental car companies, freight and other businesses and that immediate steps were necessary to reduce long-term harm to workers and neighborhoods.

What council approved: The council adopted a two-part package (18a and 18b, both approved as amended) that a) urges federal action to standardize airport screening under a federal agency or oversight model and to prioritize training and rehiring of existing LAX screeners; and b) directs city departments — including LAWA, Community Development and the workforce agency — to form an economic impact task force, develop redeployment options for displaced workers and report back promptly on additional resources needed. The council set a…