The Airport Workers United, a local of SEIU, will vote today on whether or not to authorize a strike at the LAX airport. The 2,500 member union, which includes service workers in jobs like security and baggage handling, is holding out for higher wages, improved medical coverage, and increased staff support. The union has also accused the contractors of unfair labor practices ? of not negotiating in good faith, and of threatening union supporters. The contractors have denied any wrongdoing, expressing a desire to reach a friendly agreement. The union looks to avoid striking, even if the vote today is to authorize one.
See "LAX service workers to hold strike authorization vote", Joanna Lin, Los Angeles Times, August 19, 2008