May Day protests at SFO end with arrests of SF Supervisors and State Senator

https://abc7news.com/post/may-day-protesters-block-san-francisco-
international-airports-terminals-departure-drop-off-area/19016351/

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Thousands of workers across the Bay Area took to 
the streets Friday to mark May Day, an international day of action 
centered on labor rights and economic justice. One of the most visible - 
and consequential - demonstrations unfolded at San Francisco International 
Airport, where hundreds of unionized airport workers rallied inside the 
International Terminal, demanding higher wages as contract negotiations 
drag on.

The protest culminated in the arrest of 25 demonstrators, including 
several elected officials, after workers blocked traffic at the 
international departures dropoff area and refused police orders to 
disperse.

May Day has long served as a focal point for labor organizing, and this 
year's events came amid renewed calls for stronger wage protections in 
highcost regions like the Bay Area. From Oakland to San Jose, workers 
marched and rallied in support of better pay, safer working conditions, 
and stronger labor protections.

At SFO, airport service workers represented by SEIUUSWW said the stakes of 
their protest are simple: survival.

"These workers keep one of the busiest airports in the country running," 
union leaders said. "Yet many are struggling to afford rent, food, and 
transportation in the region they serve."

Workers demand higher pay as talks stall
Airport workers with SEIUUSWW are in the midst of contract negotiations 
with employers that include airlines and aviation service companies 
operating inside the airport. Central to those talks is a demand for a $30 
an hour minimum wage.

"No matter how you cut it, current wages are not enough," said Noyra 
Gonzalez, an SFO worker who joined Friday's rally. "We're asking to be 
paid $30 an hour. They want that in L.A. as well - it's barely enough to 
survive here in the city."

Union leaders argue that airport service companies are profitable and can 
afford higher wages, especially as passenger traffic continues to rebound 
following the pandemic.

"They're standing up and saying enough of poverty wages," said Sanjay 
Garla, vice president of SEIUUSWW. "The companies they serve are rich - 
making money hand over fist - while workers are falling behind."

Protest escalates outside international departures
Friday's demonstration began peacefully inside the International Terminal, 
with workers chanting, holding signs, and listening to speeches from labor 
leaders and elected officials. As the rally continued, dozens of 
demonstrators moved outside to the international departure dropoff area, 
where they blocked traffic and refused to move when asked by police.

Several state and city officials joined airport workers, saying the 
disruption was necessary to draw attention to prolonged contract talks 
that union leaders say have gone on for nearly a year without resolution.

As traffic backed up, San Francisco Police Department officers issued 
multiple warnings before declaring the gathering an unlawful assembly.

"I hereby declare this an unlawful assembly," an officer announced over a 
loudspeaker.

Arrests include elected officials
Police began making arrests shortly afterward, detaining demonstrators one 
by one as they sat or stood in the roadway. Among those arrested were 
State Senator Josh Becker, San Francisco Supervisor Connie Chan, and San 
Francisco Supervisor Rafael Mandelman.

Before being taken into custody, Mandelman said he understood the 
consequences - and accepted them.

"Because these workers need a contract," Mandelman said when asked why he 
was willing to be arrested. "They've been going for a year. We need to do 
right by them."

In total, 25 people were arrested and cited for failure to disperse. All 
were later released.

Airport operations resume
The international departures dropoff ramp reopened under police escort at 
approximately 12:30 p.m., according to airport officials.

SFO later confirmed that a freespeech permit had been issued for Friday's 
rally, allowing demonstrators to gather - provided that passenger access 
to the terminal was not impeded.

Despite the disruption, there were no reports of flight delays connected 
to the protest.

Workers say fight is far from over
Union leaders say Friday's action was about more than wages. It was meant 
to remind the public and employers that airport workers are essential - 
and that prolonged negotiations are taking a toll.

"Airport workers don't want to block roads or risk arrest," Garla said. 
"But when workers are pushed to the brink, they will stand up - even in 
the most visible places."

As contract talks continue, SEIUUSWW says additional actions are possible 
if movement is not made at the bargaining table.

For many of the workers who marched and were arrested on May Day, the 
message was clear: the cost of living in the Bay Area continues to rise - 
and so, too, they say, must wages.

https://abc7news.com/post/may-day-protesters-block-san-francisco-
international-airports-terminals-departure-drop-off-area/19016351/


-- 
November 5, 2024 - Congratulations President Donald Trump.  We look 
forward to America being great again.

We live in a time where intelligent people are being silenced so that 
stupid people won't be offended.

Every day is an IQ test. Some pass, some, not so much.

Thank you for cleaning up the disasters of the 2008-2017, 2020-2024 Obama 
/ Biden / Harris fiascos, President Trump.

Under Barack Obama's leadership, the United States of America became the 
The World According To Garp.  Obama sold out heterosexuals for Hollywood 
queer liberal democrat donors.