Kansas City Council Passes Resolution Supporting Traffic Control Officers Employed by LAZ at Kansas City International Airport Forming a Union
KANSAS CITY, MO — Today, the Kansas City Council passed a resolution supporting Traffic Control Officers employed by LAZ at Kansas City International Airport (MCI) in their effort to form a Union with Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 1. Traffic Control Officers at MCI help keep airport employees, travelers, and visitors safe by directing traffic and protecting pedestrians in active roadway areas outside one of the region’s busiest public facilities. Their essential work is especially critical as Kansas City prepares to welcome thousands of travelers for the FIFA World Cup.
“Workers who help keep airport employees, travelers, and visitors safe deserve respect, dignity, and a voice on the job,” said Kansas City Councilman Johnathan Duncan. “As Kansas City prepares to welcome thousands of travelers for the World Cup, it is in our city’s interest to stand with the Traffic Control Officers at MCI who are seeking a fair pathway to form a Union.”
LAZ Traffic Control Officers are organizing with SEIU Local 1 to improve working conditions, strengthen safety and training standards, and win a meaningful voice in decisions that affect their jobs.
“Traffic Control Officers at MCI spend every shift protecting pedestrians in an active roadway environment,” said Denail Carter, a LAZ Traffic Control Officer at MCI. “We take pride in keeping the airport moving safely, but we need stronger safety standards, better training, and a real voice on the job. That is why we are organizing a Union with SEIU Local 1.”
The Resolution recognizes the important role Traffic Control Officers play at MCI and supports their right to organize free from intimidation, retaliation, or delay.
“Public support matters,” said SEIU Local 1 Vice President and Missouri Director Chris Rak. “Today’s vote sends a clear message that the workers who keep MCI moving safely deserve a voice on the job. When workers stand together and city leaders stand with them, they can raise standards not only at the airport, but across Kansas City.”