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

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.

MORE: From worker strikes to activism, multiple May Day protests held throughout the Bay Area

“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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

Bay City News contributed to this report.