Worker carries a homemade sign at a demonstration organized by the Living Wage Coalition and Justice for Janitors (SEIU Local 399) at LAX in 1997. As written, Los Angeles’ Living Wage Ordinance applied to all large companies doing business with the city government. But owed to the airlines’ subcontracting practices, the baggage handlers, wheelchair runners, security officers, and janitorial staff who worked at the airport were exempted. After its passage, workers, religious leaders, and community members marched in support of expanding the ordinance to include service workers at LAX. His sign includes a reference to $7.25, the wage established in the ordinance.
View more of Lotz’ photos at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/uclairle/albums/72177720320809410/