Baggage handlers' union extends talks to avoid LAX strike

The union representing 3,000 LAX baggage handlers, cabin cleaners and other service workers has extended contract negotiations after threatening a strike over pay could come as early as Monday.

The Service Employees International Union is demanding higher wages for its members, who also include customer service agents and wheelchair handlers.

"Passenger service workers are vital to the safety, security, and overall experience of LAX," SEIU United Service Workers West President David Huerta said in a statement. "Airlines are again making record profits and business at LAX is booming; it is time to step up to ensure respect for these workers’ right to fight for decent jobs."

The workers represented by the union don't work directly for the airlines; instead, they're employed by independent firms that contract with the air carriers. 

The airlines could divert more of their profits to the union's members, said SEIU spokesman Ulisses Sanchez. He said some workers are forced to choose between paying rent and putting food on the table.

Sanchez could not provide details on how much the workers currently earn per hour, or how much more SEIU is asking for. Calls to several firms that employ airport service workers were not returned.

American and United Airlines each sent KPCC written statements that said the airlines are taking steps to ensure smooth operations in the event of a strike.

SEIU had said last week that a strike could come as early as Monday.

To bolster its case, the union has pointed to a Dec. 2016 forecast from the International Air Transport Association, which projected the airline industry would bring in a net profit of nearly $30 billion in 2017. That same report said the airlines were having their three best consecutive years in history.  

LAX service workers did walk off the job in August 2008. That strike only lasted about 24 hours, and didn't cause mass disruption because many workers remained on the job.