Travelers flying out of LAX should be prepared for another challenging travel day as protests by airline workers continue to disrupt traffic.
Members of Unite Here Local 11, a hospitality union representing workers in hotels, food service, and airports in Southern California, staged a protest on Century Boulevard outside LAX’s pickup and drop-off zones on Tuesday evening, causing traffic disruptions.
The protest, involving employees of Flying Food Group, lasted for nearly two hours before being dispersed by Los Angeles police in riot gear around 6:15 p.m.
Organizers are planning another demonstration between 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on the upper level of LAX on Wednesday. The airport police anticipate a turnout of 100 to 120 participants.
Workers are demanding a new contract due to alleged unsafe conditions, broken equipment, fire hazards, and unfair wages.
Susan Minato, co-president of Unite Here Local 11, stated, “Honestly, people don’t care about the people who make food and put it on their plates. We wanted to make a statement.”
The protest caused delays for passengers, with some expressing frustration at missing their flights while others showed support for the workers.
LAX airline catering workers say they wanted to make a statement by protesting outside the airport 2 days before Thanksgiving.
LAPD has since taken control and reopened the intersection. No arrests have been reported. pic.twitter.com/asUKY1hwqS
Union members defended the timing of the protest, citing long-standing safety and equipment issues that have not been addressed.
Unite Here Local 11 has a history of high-visibility labor actions in Southern California, advocating for higher wages, improved safety, and better working conditions for hospitality and tourism workers.
The union played a key role in advocating for Los Angeles’ new minimum-wage ordinance for hotel and airport employees, gradually increasing the hourly minimum wage to $30 by 2028.
Efforts to repeal the minimum-wage ordinance were unsuccessful, allowing the wage increases to proceed despite opposition from major hotel and tourism companies.
The airport’s labor relations unit is in contact with protest organizers to ensure a peaceful demonstration. Airport police will monitor the event and be ready to respond if needed.
Wednesday’s protest is not expected to disrupt access to LAX, but authorities are prepared for any changes during the busy holiday season.
