Flying Food Group Admits to Labor Violations in Settlement with UNITE HERE Local 11

Airline caterer agrees to pay $50,000 and refrain from future worker rights abuses after years of allegations.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 9:38pm

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A photorealistic studio still life featuring a stack of official documents and a pair of handcuffs, symbolizing the legal battle between an airline catering company and its workers over labor rights violations.A settlement between Flying Food Group and its workers' union marks a significant step in holding the company accountable for labor violations, though the fight for worker dignity continues.Los Angeles Today

Flying Food Group, an airline catering company that has faced numerous labor and safety violations, has agreed to settle a high-profile case with the National Labor Relations Board. As part of the settlement, the company has admitted to illegally interfering with workers' efforts to unionize with UNITE HERE Local 11, including interrogating employees about their union activities and assisting in a decertification campaign. The settlement requires Flying Food Group to pay $50,000 to a worker it allegedly fired for union involvement and to refrain from future labor law violations.

Why it matters

This settlement is a major victory for the workers who have been speaking out about alleged abusive treatment at Flying Food Group. The company has faced a long history of citations and complaints from various government agencies over labor and safety issues, underscoring the importance of holding employers accountable for respecting worker rights.

The details

In December 2024, the National Labor Relations Board issued a multi-part complaint against Flying Food Group alleging numerous labor law violations. The case was set for trial on March 31, 2026, but the company has now agreed to settle. As part of the settlement, Flying Food Group has admitted that it took part in an illegal effort to oust the workers' union, UNITE HERE Local 11. This includes admitting that managers interrogated workers about their union sympathies and activities, and assisted in a decertification campaign. The company also agreed to pay $50,000 to a worker the NLRB accused it of firing due to union involvement.

  • In December 2024, the NLRB issued a complaint against Flying Food Group.
  • The case was set for trial on March 31, 2026 before the settlement was reached.

The players

Flying Food Group

An airline catering company that has faced numerous labor and safety violations.

UNITE HERE Local 11

A union representing more than 32,000 hospitality workers in Southern California and Arizona.

Monica Lira

A worker at Flying Food Group who has been fighting for respect and workers' rights.

Susan Minato

Co-president of UNITE HERE Local 11.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Monica Lira, Worker, 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.”

— Susan Minato, Co-president, UNITE HERE Local 11

What’s next

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.

The takeaway

This settlement is a significant step in holding Flying Food Group accountable for its long history of labor and safety violations, but there is still more work to be done to ensure workers at the company are treated with dignity and respect.