San Francisco airport workers 'arrested and cited' after 'civil disobedience'

A food workers union at San Francisco International Airport says 41 protesters were arrested and cited for blocking traffic.

The union, Unite Here Local 2, said in a Friday press release that the group intended to practice "civil disobedience" with the potential to "block traffic" in protest for higher wages.

Union members and supporters of Unite Here Local 2 blocked traffic outside terminal three at the airport on Friday afternoon, according to a press release by the group.

Food service workers at the airport voted 99.7% in favor of authorizing a strike in August.

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"The non-violent civil disobedience, as well as picket lines by hundreds of workers and supporters, drew attention to workers’ fight against poverty wages and unaffordable health care," a press release by the union states.

According to the press release, many fast-food workers "have not seen a raise in three years," and make $17.05 an hour, requiring people to work two or three jobs in order to make ends meet.

Lucinda To, a lounge attendant at the United Club as well as a server at Cat Cora’s Kitchen at the airport, said in the press release that she lives on four hours of sleep per day.

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"I have to work two jobs to support my family, and I'm exhausted from living on four hours of sleep a day," To said. "I’m making $16.99 per hour even though a meal at the airport costs at least $20. I hope this protest will show people that workers at SFO need a change, and we are ready to strike for it."

Among those present at the protest were former California Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher and State Sen. Josh Becker.

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The union noted that a "strike could begin at any time."