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LAZ Parking files layoff notices for 247 LAX workers as People Mover nears

LAZ Parking files layoff notices for 247 LAX workers as People Mover nears

Built World Los Angeles, CA local

Loss of airport parking contracts as automated train replaces shuttle services

October 6th, 2026: Layoffs take effect

Overview

Updated Sep 18

On August 6, LAZ Parking filed three WARN notices with California's Employment Development Department, covering 247 positions at Los Angeles International Airport. The jobs end October 6, when the airport's new automated People Mover train replaces shuttle services.

The layoffs stem from the loss of three parking contracts as LAX transitions to the $3.3 billion SkyLink train. LAZ says many workers may be rehired under a new five-year contract tailored to the post-train airport, but union negotiations and construction delays leave that uncertain.

Why it matters

This layoff shows how airport automation will displace ground-crew jobs across the country, even as new roles emerge.

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Key Indicators

247
Positions laid off
Workers affected across three LAX sites, effective October 6, 2026.
3
Parking contracts lost
LAX-it, LAX Transportation, and Rental Car Center contracts cease.
400+
New jobs expected at LAX
Roles tied to SkyLink and expanded airport operations, per LAWA spokeswoman.
$3.3B
SkyLink project cost
Automated People Mover connector built by LINXS, targeting late 2026 opening.
3,200
Daily shuttle trips to be eliminated
SkyLink will remove shuttle congestion from the central terminal area.

Voices

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People Involved

John Svendblad
John Svendblad
President, LAZ Parking West Coast
Issued public statement on rehiring potential
DJ
Desne James
Executive, LAZ West Coast airports
Signed WARN notices filed with California EDD
SC
Santos Castaneda
Business agent, Teamsters Local 986
Declined to comment on layoffs

Organizations Involved

LAZ Parking
LAZ Parking
Private company
Employer filing layoff notices

One of the largest parking management firms in the U.S., operating 2.1 million spaces across 5,700 locations.
Los Angeles World Airports
Los Angeles World Airports
Municipal Airport Authority
Owns and operates LAX, overseeing SkyLink transition

The Los Angeles city department that owns and operates LAX and Van Nuys General Aviation Airport.
LAX Integrated Express Solutions (LINXS)
LAX Integrated Express Solutions (LINXS)
Private consortium
Contractor building SkyLink, targeting late 2026 opening

The private consortium constructing and operating the Automated People Mover at LAX.
Teamsters Local 986
Teamsters Local 986
Labor union
Represents workers at LAX-it and LAX Transportation

Union local representing shuttle drivers and other ground transportation workers at LAX.

Timeline

August 2026 December 2026

4 events Latest: October 6th, 2026 · 1 month ago
Tap a bar to jump to that date

  1. SkyLink anticipated opening (target)

    Upcoming Project Milestone

    LINXS targets the start of passenger service on the Automated People Mover, though LAX has not confirmed a date.

  2. Layoffs take effect

    Latest Employment Action

    Employment ends for 247 workers across the three LAX locations unless earlier rehiring or contract extension occurs.

  3. Daily News reports on layoff details and rehiring potential

    News Coverage

    Article outlines that 247 jobs will end October 6, that LAZ says rehiring is possible, and that SkyLink's opening is targeted for late 2026.

  4. LAZ Parking files three WARN notices for 247 LAX workers

    Regulatory Filing

    LAZ notifies California EDD of permanent layoffs across LAX-it, LAX Transportation, and the Rental Car Center, citing loss of three parking contracts.

Scenarios

1

Most LAZ workers rehired under new contract

Likely Resolves by Q1 2027

Discussed by: LAZ Parking management, LAWA officials

If SkyLink opens on schedule and LAWA and union negotiations produce a new contract, LAZ could rehire a majority of the 247 workers for new roles (like ambassadors, shuttle operators for the train's feeder system, or parking attendants). LAZ's Svendblad has said this isn't a net reduction, and LAWA says over 400 new jobs will be filled.

2

Layoffs stand, rehiring fades

Possible Resolves by Q2 2027

Discussed by: Labor analysts, Teamsters representatives

If SkyLink sees further delays or LAZ's new contract doesn't require rehiring, many workers may not return. The union negotiations could fail, leaving jobs to be filled by new hires without recall rights.

3

SkyLink delayed, layoffs postponed or reversed

Unlikely Resolves by Q2 2027

Discussed by: LAWA, LINXS officials

If the People Mover's opening slips past early 2027, LAZ may need to keep the existing contracts active to move passengers through the airport, potentially rescinding the layoffs or extending the effective date. The project has a history of delays, so this is plausible.

Historical Context

2 moments from history that rhyme with this story — and how they unfolded.

2003

JFK Airtrain (2003)

JFK International Airport opened its automated Airtrain in December 2003, connecting terminals and replacing shuttle buses. The new system reduced the need for some ground transportation staff while creating new jobs for station attendants and maintenance workers.

Then

Some shuttle drivers were laid off, but airport authorities hired new staff to operate and maintain the train.

Now

The Airtrain became a model for other U.S. airports, demonstrating that automation can shift job composition over time.

Why this matters now

LAX's SkyLink is a similar automated people mover replacing human-operated shuttles, causing a temporary job reduction before new roles emerge.

2000-2005

Airport self-service kiosks (2000s)

Airlines installed self-service check-in kiosks across major U.S. airports, reducing the need for front-line check-in agents. The technology displaced thousands of positions, but airlines created new roles for kiosk maintenance and passenger assistance in other areas.

Then

Layoffs hit check-in staff, with unions pushing for retraining programs.

Now

The industry absorbed workers into other roles, and kiosks became a standard feature of airport operations.

Why this matters now

SkyLink will similarly reduce shuttle driver and ambassador roles, prompting a shift to new airport functions like train station staff and security.

Sources

(2)
California EDD Los Angeles Daily News