Airline catering workers blocked traffic and caused disruptions near Los Angeles International Airport in Los Angeles, California, on Tuesday. They protested what they alleged were unsafe working conditions and a “mistreatment” of workers by the company Flying Food Group.
Workers lined the streets of LAX to bring attention to their claims. They blocked traffic and caused chaos on one of the busiest traveling days of the year. Some air travelers were caught in the protest and expressed frustration at the demonstrators, fearing they would miss their flights.
In one instance caught on video, a would-be passenger told protesters blocking the car she was in that she had to catch a flight to Europe.
“I’m going to miss my [expletive] flight to Europe,” she shouted.
“These are people’s lives, you need to stop,” a protester replied. Three men were seen blocking the car from driving.
Police would later gain control of the streets and restore order, multiple outlets reported. No injuries or arrests were reported.
During the protest, workers cited problems with pipes bursting, flooded workspaces, fire alarm malfunctions, and chemical burns, among other issues, according to KABC, a Los Angeles ABC affiliate. Employees claimed they had filed complaints with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration regarding the dangerous situations they claimed to have encountered.
“The conditions, from pipes bursting to blocked exits, and chemical burns, are outrageous, read a statement to KABC from Lilian Rosales, a flight coordinator of 15 years. “I want a workplace where I feel safe. We ask the city to hold Flying Food Group accountable.”
Susan Minato, co-president of UNITE HERE Local 11, told KABC that Flying Food Group has ignored their concerns. She called for the company to take “accountability” and address the problems the workers encountered.
“Despite the growing number of problems – and despite workers repeatedly raising these concerns – the leadership of Los Angeles World Airports has failed to take meaningful action to hold Flying Food Group accountable to the City’s own requirements for its licensees,” said Minato. “We need accountability from the city.”
She also said employees need to “make a statement” due to a perceived lack of interest in their plight.
“Honestly, people don’t care about the people who make food and put it on their plates,” said Susan Minato, co-president of Unite Here Local 11. “We wanted to make a statement.”
Another Flying Food Group employee, who identified herself only as Monica, said the time and location of the protest were strategic and a necessity, despite it being one of the busiest travel times of the year.
“There’s a lot of safety issues in there, like doors being locked, a lot of fire hazards,” Monica told local media.”It is a busy time of the year, no question,” Minato added. “But that’s also how you get some attention.”
Additionally, the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO, advertised for the protest five days ago.
“ACTION ALERT! Flying Food Group is a serial lawbreaker, and it’s high time they’re held accountable!” read a Facebook post. “Join airline catering workers at LAX for an action on 11/25/25 from 4:30-6:30 PM.”
The labor union included a message that accused Flying Food Group of repeatedly breaking the law and demanding accountability.
“We invite you to join airline catering workers at LAX for an action ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday to demand the city hold the serial law-breaking Flying Food Group accountable and get workers the justice they deserve!” read the message.
Flying Food Group began in 1983 and is a “privately owned provider of exceptional meals for the world’s premier airlines,” according to the company’s website.
The company operates in 14 other locations across the U.S., outside of Los Angeles, California, including Chicago, Illinois; Honolulu, Hawaii; Miami, Florida; New York City, New York; and Washington, D.C., among others.