Airline service workers play a critical role in airport operations, with responsibilities for security, safety, and passenger service that shape the experience of travelers at LAX.
Before the Los Angeles City Council—led by Councilmembers Janice Hahn and Bill Rosendahl—took action, the lack of healthcare for airport workers contributed to an unstable, poorly trained workforce with a high rate of turnover. The dependence of airlines and their contractors on public programs to provide healthcare for their workforce resulted in significant public costs. Uninsured workers and their family members turned to taxpayer-funded programs and facilities for their emergency care, and went without cost-saving preventive care.
In the first six months since the council unanimously approved the Family Healthcare Update, an estimated 5,500 airline service workers and family members have gained access to affordable health coverage provided by LAX employers. Thousands more will likely be covered as employers complete enrollment in health insurance plans.