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.
https://www.unitehere11.org/wp-content/uploads/thelma.jpg813650UNITE HERE Local 11/wp-content/uploads/newlogo_512.jpgUNITE HERE Local 112026-01-22 15:50:152026-01-22 15:50:15UNION VICTORY: TELMA GOT HER JOB 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!
https://www.unitehere11.org/wp-content/uploads/donasalud1-1.jpg497750UNITE HERE Local 11/wp-content/uploads/newlogo_512.jpgUNITE HERE Local 112026-01-12 10:45:522026-01-12 13:51:50DOÑA SALUD GOT HER SHIFT BACK!
As healthcare subsidies are expected to end this month, now more than ever it is important that we have the Unite Here Health Fund. For years we have fought to expand coverage in our contracts, and we will continue to fight for more. One of the amazing new benefits available to members is the Dental Center!
Get to know the Fund’s newest dental provider!
The UNITE HERE Local 11 Health Benefit Fund (formerly Santa Monica UNITE HERE Health Benefit Fund) has opened of our own Dental Office — just for Local 11 members and their eligible family members.
The new Dental Office at the UNITE HERE Health Center opened on July 28 and has already begun taking patients! Beginning August 1, 2025, it is also the primary dental facility for former Delta Dental PPO members who live 20 miles or closer to the new Health Center.
Affordable care you can trust
This private dental office is managed by the Fund in partnership with DYNTL. As a member, you can trust the advice of DYNTL’s dentists and specialists, who will provide the oral care and treatment you need, without “upselling” unnecessary and costly procedures.
Quality dentistry provided by DYNTL
Comprehensive services include preventative, advanced restorative and cosmetic dentistry
State-of-the-art technology and diagnostic imaging
Experienced staff dedicated to your needs
Convenient Location
1122 W. Washington Blvd, Ste 315 Los Angeles, CA, 90015
The Dental Office is a part of the new UNITE HERE Health Center, operated by the UNITE HERE Health Benefit Fund in partnership with DYNTL and MLK Community Health Care.
https://www.unitehere11.org/wp-content/uploads/NEWCLINIC3.jpg500750Victoria Stahl/wp-content/uploads/newlogo_512.jpgVictoria Stahl2025-12-15 16:24:422026-01-07 16:46:51Stronger with Local 11 Health Fund!
We’d like to take a moment to appreciate the workers who create the Dodger Stadium experience! Workers at Dodgers Stadium are the ultimate fans: when games go extra innings, so do workers.
In 2022, Dodgers Stadium workers signed a fantastic union contract with life-changing wages and benefits. And they’re about to enter negotiations for their next contract!
https://www.unitehere11.org/wp-content/uploads/Union-Good-Social-Content-5-e1762278256511.png938750Victoria Stahl/wp-content/uploads/newlogo_512.jpgVictoria Stahl2025-10-25 09:43:582026-01-12 10:49:29Dodger Workers Win Big During World Series!!
Thank you, LA County Board of Supervisors for voting YES for the Hotel Worker Protection and the Worker Retention Ordinances!
https://www.unitehere11.org/wp-content/uploads/LA-County-Hotel-Protection-vote-e1762216403280.jpg629750Victoria Stahl/wp-content/uploads/newlogo_512.jpgVictoria Stahl2025-10-02 16:10:352026-01-12 10:51:27Thank You LA County Board of Supervisors!
“It’s difficult to overstate the significance of last week’s final approval of a $233 million settlement between the Walt Disney Co. and the tens of thousands of Disneyland employees whom the company has underpaid for years.
This is a battle that dates to 2018, when Anaheim voters passed a measure — backed by a coalition of unions — that was squarely intended to force the House of Mouse to pay workers something approaching a living wage. Instead, Disney resisted the law for years before finally being held accountable.”
https://www.unitehere11.org/wp-content/uploads/capandmainsept26jpg.jpg630750UNITE HERE Local 11/wp-content/uploads/newlogo_512.jpgUNITE HERE Local 112025-09-25 13:45:402025-09-26 13:52:05CAPITAL & MAIN: When Workers Unite, Even Disney Has to Listen
LA City Council’s final vote on the proposed LA Convention Center Expansion and Modernization passed. We joined a coalition of organized labor, business, and community leaders to rally in front of City Hall in support of the expansion.
“I’ve been doing this job for 15 years, and I’ve served thousands of event attendees. This job matters to me,” said Erika Bowman, Bartender for Compass/Levy at the LA Convention Center and member of UNITE HERE Local 11.
https://www.unitehere11.org/wp-content/uploads/CONVENTIONCENTERDEAL.jpg563750Victoria Stahl/wp-content/uploads/newlogo_512.jpgVictoria Stahl2025-09-19 13:48:022025-09-30 16:07:18LA Convention Center Expansion
The Original Pantry Café workers, some of whom have served Angelenos for more than 40 years, will return to their jobs! After a landmark agreement between the new owner Leo Pustilnikov and Local 11, the Pantry will reopen early 2026.
Kurt Petersen, co-president of UNITE HERE Local 11 said, “That the Original Pantry will reopen is not just a union victory — it is a Los Angeles victory. It’s a love story with a storybook ending, arriving at a moment when our city needs it most. The Pantry’s dishwashers, cooks, and servers — with more than 300 years of service between them — never gave up. They are true heroes of Los Angeles. Let’s go eat some pancakes!”
https://www.unitehere11.org/wp-content/uploads/pantry-new-top.jpg5001000UNITE HERE Local 11/wp-content/uploads/newlogo_512.jpgUNITE HERE Local 112025-09-12 15:42:402025-12-24 14:53:12THE ORIGINAL PANTRY WILL REOPEN!
The Original Pantry Café workers, some of whom have served Angelenos for more than 40 years, will return to their jobs after a landmark agreement between the new owner and Real Estate Entrepreneur Leo Pustilnikov and UNITE HERE Local 11. Together, they celebrated the announcement of reopening of the beloved 101-year old restaurant with city leaders, community allies and loyal patrons. Workers were joined by Los Angeles council members, Ysabel Jurado, Curren Price and dozens more outside the Pantry today.
https://www.unitehere11.org/wp-content/uploads/Screenshot-2025-09-25-at-12.44.31-PM-e1758904870667.png555750Victoria Stahl/wp-content/uploads/newlogo_512.jpgVictoria Stahl2025-09-11 12:57:172025-09-26 10:28:50The Original Pantry Café To Open Early 2026!
“Real estate developer Leo Pustilnikov bought the Original Pantry’s nearly 8,000-square-foot building on James M. Wood Boulevard with the blessing of hospitality union Unite Here Local 11. The union, which represents Pantry workers, inked a deal with Pustilnikov ensuring that the diner would keep union representation and bring back all 25 workers who lost their jobs when it closed in March.”
https://www.unitehere11.org/wp-content/uploads/LATIMES-sept11-2025.jpg630750UNITE HERE Local 11/wp-content/uploads/newlogo_512.jpgUNITE HERE Local 112025-09-11 11:38:172025-09-15 11:42:33LA TIMES: L.A.’s Original Pantry to reopen with new owner and same workers
Los Angeles, CA: The Original Pantry Café workers, some of whom have served Angelenos for more than 40 years, will return to their jobs after a landmark agreement between the new owner and Real Estate Entrepreneur Leo Pustilnikov and UNITE HERE Local 11. Together, they celebrated the announcement of reopening of the beloved 101-year old restaurant with city leaders, community allies and loyal patrons. Workers were joined by Los Angeles council members, Ysabel Jurado, Curren Price and dozens more outside the Pantry today.
Now, under new ownership, the Pantry will reopen with its remarkable workers, the union and a renewed commitment to remain a cornerstone of Los Angeles. The Pantry is expected to reopen January 1st, 2026.
The deal comes six months after Richard J. Riordan Trust, the restaurant’s former owner, abruptly shuttered the Pantry after workers insisted that any new ownership must protect their jobs and honor their union. Thanks to a community-led campaign—including protests, pancake fundraisers, and public pressure—workers and allies kept the fight alive.
Kurt Petersen, co-president of UNITE HERE Local 11 said, “That the Original Pantry will reopen is not just a union victory — it is a Los Angeles victory. It’s a love story with a storybook ending, arriving at a moment when our city needs it most. The Pantry’s dishwashers, cooks, and servers — with more than 300 years of service between them — never gave up. They are true heroes of Los Angeles. Let’s go eat some pancakes!”
Real Estate Entrepreneur and new owner of the Original Pantry Cafe Leo Pustilnikov said, “The resilience of the Pantry is in many ways proof of the resilience of Downtown as a whole. Both have had ups and downs and both will emerge stronger and more vibrant for future generations of Angelenos”
“The reopening of the Pantry could not have happened without the determination of its workers. I am proud to have helped facilitate the conversations with the new ownership that made this agreement possible,” said Councilmember Ysabel Jurado. “By bringing people together at the table and standing with our workers, we have turned their fight into a lasting victory for Downtown LA and all of Los Angeles.”
Jesus Moran, a server at the Original Pantry for 48 years said “We’re so happy for this new resolution! We hope to serve Los Angeles for another 100 years! To our customers, thank you for your support during our events, and to UNITE HERE Local 11 and Mr. Leo for bringing us back. We look forward to serving lots of pancakes again!”
Rev. Mark Hallahan, a member of CLUE, said “CLUE is elated to celebrate the Original Pantry’s reopening with the Workers who fought to ensure that sacred hospitality will continue to be offered here in the heart of downtown. We give thanks to God for the just resolution before us and pray that the Pantry will continue to be a place where folks can gather together in community and break bread that is served with love and justice”
https://www.unitehere11.org/wp-content/uploads/pantry-reopening6.jpg500750UNITE HERE Local 11/wp-content/uploads/newlogo_512.jpgUNITE HERE Local 112025-09-11 08:58:552025-09-26 09:47:23PRESS RELEASE: LA’s Historic Original Pantry Café To Open Early 2026! UNITE HERE Local 11 and New Owner Leo Pustilnikov Ink Deal to Save Restaurant
UNION VICTORY: TELMA GOT HER JOB BACK!
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!
Stronger with Local 11 Health Fund!
As healthcare subsidies are expected to end this month, now more than ever it is important that we have the Unite Here Health Fund. For years we have fought to expand coverage in our contracts, and we will continue to fight for more. One of the amazing new benefits available to members is the Dental Center!
Get to know the Fund’s newest dental provider!
The UNITE HERE Local 11 Health Benefit Fund (formerly Santa Monica UNITE HERE Health Benefit Fund) has opened of our own Dental Office — just for Local 11 members and their eligible family members.
The new Dental Office at the UNITE HERE Health Center opened on July 28 and has already begun taking patients! Beginning August 1, 2025, it is also the primary dental facility for former Delta Dental PPO members who live 20 miles or closer to the new Health Center.
Affordable care you can trust
This private dental office is managed by the Fund in partnership with DYNTL. As a member, you can trust the advice of DYNTL’s dentists and specialists, who will provide the oral care and treatment you need, without “upselling” unnecessary and costly procedures.
Quality dentistry provided by DYNTL
Convenient Location
1122 W. Washington Blvd, Ste 315 Los Angeles, CA, 90015
Make an appointment today!
Phone: 310-894-8095
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.dyntl.com/local11
The Dental Office is a part of the new UNITE HERE Health Center, operated by the UNITE HERE Health Benefit Fund in partnership with DYNTL and MLK Community Health Care.
Dodger Workers Win Big During World Series!!
We’d like to take a moment to appreciate the workers who create the Dodger Stadium experience! Workers at Dodgers Stadium are the ultimate fans: when games go extra innings, so do workers.
In 2022, Dodgers Stadium workers signed a fantastic union contract with life-changing wages and benefits. And they’re about to enter negotiations for their next contract!
Click here to learn more about what they won in their contract, and why we are Stronger with Local 11!
Thank You LA County Board of Supervisors!
Thank you, LA County Board of Supervisors for voting YES for the Hotel Worker Protection and the Worker Retention Ordinances!
CAPITAL & MAIN: When Workers Unite, Even Disney Has to Listen
“It’s difficult to overstate the significance of last week’s final approval of a $233 million settlement between the Walt Disney Co. and the tens of thousands of Disneyland employees whom the company has underpaid for years.
This is a battle that dates to 2018, when Anaheim voters passed a measure — backed by a coalition of unions — that was squarely intended to force the House of Mouse to pay workers something approaching a living wage. Instead, Disney resisted the law for years before finally being held accountable.”
LA Convention Center Expansion
NEW CONTRACTS!
THE ORIGINAL PANTRY WILL REOPEN!
The Original Pantry Café workers, some of whom have served Angelenos for more than 40 years, will return to their jobs! After a landmark agreement between the new owner Leo Pustilnikov and Local 11, the Pantry will reopen early 2026.
Kurt Petersen, co-president of UNITE HERE Local 11 said, “That the Original Pantry will reopen is not just a union victory — it is a Los Angeles victory. It’s a love story with a storybook ending, arriving at a moment when our city needs it most. The Pantry’s dishwashers, cooks, and servers — with more than 300 years of service between them — never gave up. They are true heroes of Los Angeles. Let’s go eat some pancakes!”
The Original Pantry Café To Open Early 2026!
The Original Pantry Café workers, some of whom have served Angelenos for more than 40 years, will return to their jobs after a landmark agreement between the new owner and Real Estate Entrepreneur Leo Pustilnikov and UNITE HERE Local 11. Together, they celebrated the announcement of reopening of the beloved 101-year old restaurant with city leaders, community allies and loyal patrons. Workers were joined by Los Angeles council members, Ysabel Jurado, Curren Price and dozens more outside the Pantry today.
LA TIMES: L.A.’s Original Pantry to reopen with new owner and same workers
“Real estate developer Leo Pustilnikov bought the Original Pantry’s nearly 8,000-square-foot building on James M. Wood Boulevard with the blessing of hospitality union Unite Here Local 11. The union, which represents Pantry workers, inked a deal with Pustilnikov ensuring that the diner would keep union representation and bring back all 25 workers who lost their jobs when it closed in March.”
PRESS RELEASE: LA’s Historic Original Pantry Café To Open Early 2026! UNITE HERE Local 11 and New Owner Leo Pustilnikov Ink Deal to Save Restaurant
Los Angeles, CA: The Original Pantry Café workers, some of whom have served Angelenos for more than 40 years, will return to their jobs after a landmark agreement between the new owner and Real Estate Entrepreneur Leo Pustilnikov and UNITE HERE Local 11. Together, they celebrated the announcement of reopening of the beloved 101-year old restaurant with city leaders, community allies and loyal patrons. Workers were joined by Los Angeles council members, Ysabel Jurado, Curren Price and dozens more outside the Pantry today.
Now, under new ownership, the Pantry will reopen with its remarkable workers, the union and a renewed commitment to remain a cornerstone of Los Angeles. The Pantry is expected to reopen January 1st, 2026.
The deal comes six months after Richard J. Riordan Trust, the restaurant’s former owner, abruptly shuttered the Pantry after workers insisted that any new ownership must protect their jobs and honor their union. Thanks to a community-led campaign—including protests, pancake fundraisers, and public pressure—workers and allies kept the fight alive.
Kurt Petersen, co-president of UNITE HERE Local 11 said, “That the Original Pantry will reopen is not just a union victory — it is a Los Angeles victory. It’s a love story with a storybook ending, arriving at a moment when our city needs it most. The Pantry’s dishwashers, cooks, and servers — with more than 300 years of service between them — never gave up. They are true heroes of Los Angeles. Let’s go eat some pancakes!”
Real Estate Entrepreneur and new owner of the Original Pantry Cafe Leo Pustilnikov said, “The resilience of the Pantry is in many ways proof of the resilience of Downtown as a whole. Both have had ups and downs and both will emerge stronger and more vibrant for future generations of Angelenos”
“The reopening of the Pantry could not have happened without the determination of its workers. I am proud to have helped facilitate the conversations with the new ownership that made this agreement possible,” said Councilmember Ysabel Jurado. “By bringing people together at the table and standing with our workers, we have turned their fight into a lasting victory for Downtown LA and all of Los Angeles.”
Jesus Moran, a server at the Original Pantry for 48 years said “We’re so happy for this new resolution! We hope to serve Los Angeles for another 100 years! To our customers, thank you for your support during our events, and to UNITE HERE Local 11 and Mr. Leo for bringing us back. We look forward to serving lots of pancakes again!”
Rev. Mark Hallahan, a member of CLUE, said “CLUE is elated to celebrate the Original Pantry’s reopening with the Workers who fought to ensure that sacred hospitality will continue to be offered here in the heart of downtown. We give thanks to God for the just resolution before us and pray that the Pantry will continue to be a place where folks can gather together in community and break bread that is served with love and justice”