MEET WORKER LEADER LUCIAN RAIU

Lucian is a leader who worked at Private Suites, a private terminal in LAX. He began organizing his coworkers to unionize in order to improve their working conditions and gain transparency regarding their tips. Lucian was subsequently fired. Instead of being discouraged, he felt even more empowered and continued organizing outside of work. Thanks to his leadership, nearly 100 new members were unionized. Lucian didn’t stop there and began working for the union as an organizer to unionize a second group of workers that the company refused to recognize. Thanks to his persistence and determination, the company has now agreed to recognize this second group of workers. Bravo, Lucian!

WELCOME TO THE UNION FAIRMONT BREAKERS WORKERS!

Sky Cafe Workers File Wage Theft Complaints

Since Sky Café took over the American Airlines food service contract at Sky Harbor in Phoenix, AZ, at least six workers allege they were not paid for all hours worked. As a result, six wage theft complaints have been filed with the Industrial Commission of Arizona. An additional complaint has been filed with the Arizona Attorney General’s Office alleging that at least five workers were effectively paid below Arizona’s minimum wage. Workers are calling for a thorough investigation into the allegations, accountability for any violations found, and stronger worker protections for companies operating at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport.

UNION VICTORY: THELMA GOT HER JOB BACK!

Thelma Cortez from Flying Food Group reported alleged repeated unwanted sexual comments, advances, and inappropriate conduct by a supervisor. She was disciplined twice and placed on an indefinite suspension, losing substantial overtime income, and later was informed by the company intended to terminate her.
But she fought and with the support of her union got her job back!
Last week she and two other silence breakers filed a complaint calling on the City of Los Angeles Bureau of Contract Administration (BCA) and Human Rights Department to launch a full investigation into Flying Food Group, following allegations that the company retaliated against workers who reported sexual harassment and discrimination.

Protecting Housing for Working People, NOT Corporations!

Our union mobilized to LA City Hall over Airbnbs attempt to further convert our housing into hotels through the proposed Vacation Rentals Ordinance. Back in 2018, our union helped defeat this proposal—but they’re trying again through their so-called “SOS” campaign. We need to stay organized and keep fighting to protect housing for our families, not for corporate short-term rental profits.

LA TIMES: L.A. unions push new tax on companies with ‘overpaid’ CEOs

The so-called Overpaid CEO Tax initiative was announced at a rally outside Elon Musk’s Tesla Diner featuring union workers holding signs that read “Taxing greed to pay for what we need,” and a cartoon cutout of a boss carrying money bags and puffing a fat cigar.

“It’s high time the rich paid more taxes,” said Kurt Petersen, co-president of Unite Here Local 11, which represents airport and hotel employees.

Aramark Workers at Arizona State University Host ‘Welcome Back” Picket for Students

As students return to campus for the spring semester, food service workers employed by Aramark at Arizona State University held a ‘Welcome Back’ picket at ASU’s Tempe campus to demand a fair contract, safe staffing levels, and respect on the job. The escalation came after ASU dining hall workers overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike, escalating their fight with Aramark. With their contract expired and negotiations ongoing, workers warn that they could walk out at any moment if the company fails to reach a fair agreement.

DOÑA SALUD GOT HER SHIFT BACK!

Doña Salud, who is 83, is returning to her morning shift!

Last year Flying Food Group gave Doña Salud a shift that ended at midnight, and as someone who is 83 and has to take multiple buses to get to and from work every day, it was tremendously exhausting.

After her dish department got together and organized a successful shift bid on her behalf, justice was served!

Workers at Crypto.com Arena Calling on LA28 and IOC to Keep ICE Out During the Olympic Games

As Los Angeles prepares to host the 2028 Olympic Games, workers at Crypto.com Arena took action to demand safe, welcoming Olympic venues free from the sorts of heavy-handed and abusive immigration enforcement that we have seen in Los Angeles and elsewhere in recent months. Workers delivered hundreds of petition signatures from their coworkers urging Crypto.com Arena to call on LA28 and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to commit to keeping Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other immigration enforcement agencies out of Olympic venues and events.

“This arena runs because of immigrant workers.” said Marisela Gomez, a Stand Lead at Crypto.com Arena, where she’s worked for 15 years. “The Olympics will only succeed because of immigrant workers. If LA wants to welcome the world, it has to protect the people who make that welcome possible.” 

US CITIZENSHIP FAIR WITH YOUR LOCAL 11 LEGAL FUND—CALL NOW TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT: (213) 785-6999

February 26, 2026
LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE

Hosted by Hadsell Stormer Renick & Dai, LLP
For UNITE HERE Local 11 Legal Fund members only

Work with an immigration attorney at no cost! You only pay 20% of the filing fee—$152. The Legal Fund covers the rest!

To get started, you’ll need to be Legal Fund eligible and provide the following:

  • California and FBI Fingerprint results
  • Your completed office questionnaire
  • Lawful Permanent Resident card
  • California ID or Driver’s license
  • If applicable, any divorce judgments or prior marriage termination documents

Call (213) 785-6999 before January 22, 2026 to schedule an appointment

Hadsell Stormer Renick & Dai, LLP
250 E. 1st Street, Suite 1201, Los Angeles, CA 90012
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www.hsrlegalfund.com