Hotel workers fighting for new contract rally near LAX; 2 councilmembers arrested

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Hundreds of hotel workers fighting for more livable wages rallied near LAX on Thursday as a June 30 contract expiration date looms.

Members of Unite Here Local 11 surrounded Century Boulevard, blocking traffic to the airport.

Los Angeles City Councilmembers Hugo Soto-Martinez and Nithya Raman were among those arrested.

Soto-Martinez released a statement showing his support for union workers.

"People are being priced out of our homes and have to commute for hours to work," he said. "A single mother who works as a housekeeper has to work 17 hours a day to afford housing in this city. I'm proud to stand in solidarity with UNITE HERE Local 11 and tourism workers across the city because people who work in LA should be able to afford to live in LA."

Assemblywoman Wendy Carrillo (D-Los Angeles) also participated in Thursday's rally.

The union overwhelmingly authorized a strike earlier this month, and could begin the work stoppage at dozens of hotels as early as the July 4 weekend.

The workers are concerned about the rising cost of housing, many commuting hours to get to work because they cannot afford to live in the area.

"I am here because my mom has been a housekeeper for 15 plus years," said Jennifer Flores with UNITE HERE Local 11. "She's been fighting to be able to raise me, afford living in L.A., and now it's my turn to help her. Rent is getting more expensive and it's only fair I return the favor."

The union is seeking to create a hospitality workforce housing fund, in addition to better wages, healthcare benefits, pension and safer workloads.