Since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, American Airlines and several other smaller carriers have stopped serving food on short domestic flights. This has resulted in the layoffs of over 500 food service workers who are employed by subcontractors such as "Sky Chef" who provides food for the airline industry.

On December 18, Toro Walsh, President, Local 814, made a formal appeal to the LAX Airport Commission requesting the commission to convince the airlines to reinstate their food service. Approximately 40 union members attended the meeting and the press conference that followed and 80 union members gathered at the LAX Encounter restaurant for participation in a rally and march. After a short rally, the group marched in an orderly fashion to Terminals 4, 5 and 6 where a picket line was established against American Airlines. After a short picket, the group marched back to the Encounter restaurant for a closing rally and press conference. Two teams from Labor Relations Section coordinated and monitored the event with the assistance of Department of Airport Police Bureau and personnel from LAX substation. The entire event was peaceful and similar demonstrations can be anticipated to take place in the future.