Carlos Alvarez, LAX Passenger Service Worker

Carlos Alvarez, 23, has worked at the Los Angeles International Airport for two years for AirServ, a contractor that serves United Airlines.  As a lobby agent, his job is to control access to the TSA checkpoints, and enforces security and baggage regulations.

Carlos knows his job is an important part in the increased security measures enacted after 9/11, but he and his coworkers do not have the staffing or training to ensure passenger safety and security.

"We make sure that only authorized people are allowed into the sterile area, and that the checkpoint can operate in a controlled, focused way.  Unfortunately, our workforce is short-staffed and under-trained for the job."

Security personnel like Carlos often do not receive adequate training in a number of crucial areas including how to spot fake IDs, how to respond in the event of an emergency, crowd control and airport evacuation.

"The only special training we have is a short video we're shown on our first day.  So if there's an emergency we have no training on evacuation procedures, first aid or how to recognize suspicious behavior."

And, with an estimated 50% turnover rate among airport service workers, it's very unlikely that many of Carlos' coworkers will be able to get the training and experience they need to provide quality service and security. 

"We just want to help raise the standards for us and the passengers we serve."

Carlos is standing up with his coworkers for quality services and passenger safety at LAX.


For more information call Mike Chavez at
(213) 284-7773 or (562) 644-0798 or visit www.seiu-usww.org.