Protesters have blocked a major entrance to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), causing widespread disruptions during one of the busiest travel periods of the year - Thanksgiving. Hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets outside the airport's main building, shutting down traffic around the pickup and drop-off zones.
Travelers were forced to abandon their cars as police in riot gear arrived to clear the intersection shortly after 6:15 p.m., allowing traffic to resume. The protests are part of an escalating labor dispute between Unite Here Local 11, which represents airport workers, and Flying Food Group, one of LAX's largest airline catering contractors.
The union is demanding a new contract with higher wages and improved working conditions, citing safety concerns among its members. Susan Minato, co-president of Unite Here Local 11, defended the timing of the protests, arguing that demonstrations during peak travel periods draw attention to the issues at hand.
"We wanted to make a statement," she said. "It is a busy time of the year, no question... But that's also how you get some attention."
The labor dispute has already led to flight cancellations and disruptions, with airlines advising travelers to book backup tickets as a precautionary measure. The protests are expected to continue through Wednesday, although police are not anticipating any further blockages to vehicle access.
Earlier this year, the union successfully pushed for a city ordinance raising the minimum wage for hotel and airport workers to $30 by 2028. As the main holiday travel rush begins, protesters outside LAX are highlighting the need for better working conditions and fair compensation for airport employees.
Travelers were forced to abandon their cars as police in riot gear arrived to clear the intersection shortly after 6:15 p.m., allowing traffic to resume. The protests are part of an escalating labor dispute between Unite Here Local 11, which represents airport workers, and Flying Food Group, one of LAX's largest airline catering contractors.
The union is demanding a new contract with higher wages and improved working conditions, citing safety concerns among its members. Susan Minato, co-president of Unite Here Local 11, defended the timing of the protests, arguing that demonstrations during peak travel periods draw attention to the issues at hand.
"We wanted to make a statement," she said. "It is a busy time of the year, no question... But that's also how you get some attention."
The labor dispute has already led to flight cancellations and disruptions, with airlines advising travelers to book backup tickets as a precautionary measure. The protests are expected to continue through Wednesday, although police are not anticipating any further blockages to vehicle access.
Earlier this year, the union successfully pushed for a city ordinance raising the minimum wage for hotel and airport workers to $30 by 2028. As the main holiday travel rush begins, protesters outside LAX are highlighting the need for better working conditions and fair compensation for airport employees.
I'm really frustrated with these protests at LAX. Can't they just negotiate like normal people? It's already a huge headache for travelers trying to get to their destinations on time, especially during peak season. And what's with the timing? 
Susan Minato wants to draw attention to the issues by disrupting travel? Not sure that's the best strategy, but I guess it's a bold move.
Will it get them better wages and working conditions? Maybe, but at what cost? It's just not fair to innocent travelers who didn't sign up for this labor dispute.
Can't the protesters just work within those existing laws instead of taking matters into their own hands?
... like, what's next? they're already causing flight cancellations and stuff... i was all set to fly out to visit my fam on thursday but now idk if that's even gonna happen. anyway, it sounds like the union is just trying to get some attention for their cause... i get it, higher wages and better working conditions are important 
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. Fingers crossed everything gets resolved soon and flights get back on track 
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Flight cancellations already? That's no way to kick off the holidays 
Travelers gotta deal with all this stress 
Those airport staff are working super hard, and they deserve better 
The union is fighting for safety and fair pay, which I think is totally legit 
Susan Minato sounds like a superstar co-president 
Flying Food Group needs to get their act together 
Time for some real change at LAX! 
I mean, I get it, workers deserve better wages and safety, but come on! During Thanksgiving?! It's crazy busy and they're gonna disrupt travel for hundreds of people... 
- you gotta draw attention to these issues. The union's already got a win with that city ordinance, but more needs to be done! 
Still, I feel for those workers who are struggling; we need better working conditions and fair pay ASAP 
. And honestly, I feel for the union and all, but do they have to pick now when everyone's trying to head home for Thanksgiving? 
️ I mean, can't they just chill? It's not like the airport workers aren't getting paid enough already. And what's with the union demanding a new contract now? Don't they know that's when the airlines are making all their money? 
but what do you think would happen if they didn't take drastic measures like this? would anyone even notice?
also, can't we just negotiate like normal people? all these disruptions are just gonna cause more hassle for regular folks trying to get home for turkey dinner... and what's with flying food group not meeting the union's demands? didn't they know that when they signed on? 
cuz like, airport workers are people too 
lax is one of my fave airports! hope everything gets sorted out soon so we can get back to our flights 
gotta keep those airport workers happy & safe 