BREAKING NEWS: On Eve of Trial, Flying Food Group Admits to Violating Worker Rights, in Settlement of Major Labor Case
Airline caterer for international flights has also been cited for wage theft, unsafe conditions, and other labor violations, despite license to operate from City of Los Angeles
Los Angeles: Today, Flying Food Group, an airline caterer for major airlines that has been at the center of controversy for allegations of unsafe conditions and labor abuse, agreed to settle a high-profile case at the National Labor Relations Board.
In a highly unusual step, Flying Food Group was required to admit that it had violated workers’ federal labor law protections as part of the settlement. The outcome is considered a major victory for workers who have been speaking out about what they have alleged is abusive treatment at work.
In December 2024, following a two year investigation, the General Counsel of the National Labor Relations Board issued a multi-part complaint against the airline caterer alleging numerous labor violations. The case was set for trial on March 31, which will now be averted due to the settlement.
Under the settlement, after denying the allegations for years, Flying Food Group has admitted that it took part in an illegal effort to oust the workers’ union. Among other conduct, the company admits that multiple members of management interrogated workers about their union sympathies and activities and assisted in an effort to remove the union through a decertification campaign. This conduct occurred during or in the aftermath of a worker strike for better wages and conditions.
The Company also agreed to pay $50,000 to a worker whom the NLRB complaint accused Flying Food Group of firing because he participated in union activities and in order to discourage employees from engaging in those activities.
Finally, the settlement also requires that Flying Food Group refrain from engaging in a long list of violations of workers’ rights going forward – and, importantly, provides that if the Flying Food Group fails to comply with the settlement’s terms, the NLRB can reissue the complaint, deem all allegations admitted, and obtain a federal court judgment enforcing a full remedy — all without a trial.
The settlement also requires the Company to formally pledge to its employees that it fully respect workers’ rights under federal labor law going forward and will not do any of the following acts, among others:
- Obstruct doors to discourage workers from participating in protected activities
- Watch workers, or make it appear that workers are being watched, to find out about their union activities
- Promise workers benefits to discourage them from supporting a union
- Threaten workers with discipline because they engage in union or other protected activity
- Solicit workers to sign petitions to decertify UNITE HERE Local 11
- Ask workers if they have signed or wish to sign a petition to remove the Union
- Actively solicit, encourage, promote, or provide more than ministerial aid in the initiation, signing, or filing of a worker petition to decertify the Union
- Suspend or fire workers because of their Union membership or support
- The first item relates to the Company’s locking of an exit door from the outside on a day that workers’ planned a peaceful protest, conduct which also resulted in a citation by Cal/OSHA.
The settlement is the latest of a long series of legal citations. Altogether, over the last several years, five different government agencies have issued citations or complaints against Flying Food Group for labor or safety violations. These include six citations by the City of Los Angeles for violations of the airport minimum wage by it or its staffing agencies six citations by Cal/OSHA for violations of workplace safety rules, 10 citation by California Highway Patrol for operating heavy trucks without proper licenses and other issues, and a citation by the California Labor Commissioner for violating the state’s post-Covid right-to-return-to–work law.
This is the second settlement the company has entered into since LAWA informed the company it was looking into allegations that “raised questions related to FFG’s trustworthiness, quality, fitness and capacity.” Last month, Flying Food Group also reached a settlement nearly three years after OSHA cited the company for illegally locking a door; as noted above, this issue was also included in the NLRB charges.
“I am so thankful that we are finally seeing some recourse for the violations this company has committed to our basic rights. It has been over three years since me and my coworkers have been fighting for respect, and there is still so much to go. But it is at least good to see the company has admitted to violating our rights,” said Monica Lira workers at Flying Food Group.
“The bravery and commitment workers showed despite working for a company like Flying Food Group is true inspiration. This company deserves to be held accountable for all of the wrongdoing and damage they have caused, and we are glad this settlement starts to do that, though there is still much to be done,” said Susan Minato, co-president of UNITE HERE Local 11.
As a next step, workers are planning to hold a Truth Commission on April 13th to talk about their experiences and the need to hold Flying Food Group accountable so that workers are safe and treated with dignity and respect.