Councilmembers Raman, Soto-Martinez arrested during hotel workers protest near LAX

Councilmember Nithya Raman and Hugo Soto-Martinez were arrested during a hotel workers' protest near LAX, according to their offices. 

Unite Here Local 11, the union representing nearly 32,000 hotel workers, picketed on Century Boulevard outside LAX Thursday afternoon. The demonstration prompted police to close the major thoroughfare in both directions from Sepulveda to Airport Boulevards. 

"We're here to ensure a safe environment for everyone exercising their First Amendment rights," the Los Angeles Police Department tweeted Thursday afternoon. "We appreciate the peaceful nature of the demonstration and remain committed to public safety."

According to Unite Here, 300 people were arrested during the protest. 

United Teachers Los Angeles claimed their vice-president-elect was part of the group that got arrested.

"We are ready to put our bodies on the line for our right to live comfortably and safely in LA," the union tweeted 

The two council members were released shortly after being arrested. 

The union's contract with major hotels  — such as Hyatt, IHG, Hilton and Mariott —  expires on June 30.  They are calling for the creation of a hospitality workforce housing fund, better wages healthcare benefits, a pension and safer workloads.

The protest lasted several hours with LAX announcing a full reopening at around 9 p.m.

"All of today's closures on Century Boulevard have now reopened and traffic is returning to normal. Thank you for your patience," the airport tweeted."

In a statement Soto-Martinez said, "People are being priced out of their homes and have to commute for hours to work. 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." 

On her Twitter page, Raman wrote, "Los Angeles should be a city that lifts people up, not turns workers away. Solidarity with @UNITEHERE11." Earlier this month, members of UNITE HERE Local 11, which represents about 32,000 room attendance, cooks, dishwashers, front desk clerks, servers and food service workers, voted to authorize a strike against major hotel chains as they push for improved wages and working conditions.