Flying Food Group Admits Guilt in Landmark Labor Case, Averting Trial

LOS ANGELES, CA – April 02, 2026 – On the eve of a high-profile trial, airline catering giant Flying Food Group has formally admitted to violating federal labor laws in a landmark settlement with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). The agreement, which brings an end to years of company denials, is being hailed by labor advocates as a monumental victory for workers who alleged a campaign of intimidation and abuse.

In a move described by legal experts as highly unusual, the settlement required Flying Food Group to admit its role in an illegal effort to oust its employees' union, UNITE HERE Local 11. The company confessed that members of its management team interrogated workers about their union support and actively assisted a campaign to decertify the union. This occurred as employees were striking for improved wages and safer working conditions.

The settlement averts a trial that was set to begin on March 31, following a two-year investigation by the NLRB's General Counsel, which culminated in a multi-part complaint against the caterer in December 2024. As part of the agreement, Flying Food Group will pay $50,000 to a worker the NLRB alleged was illegally fired for participating in union activities.

“I am so thankful that we are finally seeing some recourse for the violations this company has committed to our basic rights,” said Monica Lira, a worker at Flying Food Group, in a statement. “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.”

A Pattern of Systemic Violations

The NLRB settlement is not an isolated incident but the latest chapter in a long history of legal and regulatory troubles for Flying Food Group. Research reveals a clear pattern of citations from at least five different government agencies, painting a picture of systemic issues that go far beyond labor disputes.

One of the most alarming incidents, also part of the NLRB charges, involved the company locking an exit door from the outside on a day workers had planned a peaceful protest. This action resulted in a “serious violation” citation from the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) for illegally bolting an emergency exit. Over the years, Cal/OSHA has issued six separate citations against the company for violations of workplace safety rules, following worker complaints about chemical burns, malfunctioning fire alarms, and flooded workspaces.

Financial misconduct has also been a recurring theme. In August 2023, the California Labor Commissioner cited Flying Food Group for over $1.2 million for failing to rehire 21 employees laid off during the pandemic, a violation of the state's “Right to Recall” law. The City of Los Angeles has cited the company and its subcontractors six times for violating the airport's minimum wage. This followed a 2015 case where the city ordered the company to pay back wages to hundreds of workers, leading to a class-action settlement of $4.15 million.

Even the company's vehicle fleet has been flagged. The California Highway Patrol issued 10 citations for issues including operating heavy trucks without proper licenses and dangerous maintenance problems like broken mirrors and non-functional horns. These documented issues prompted Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), the governing body for LAX, to launch its own investigation into the caterer’s “trustworthiness, quality, fitness and capacity.”

Behind the Scenes of Air Travel

Flying Food Group is a critical, if often invisible, player in the global travel industry. Founded in 1983, the company operates a network of kitchens at major U.S. airports, preparing millions of meals for over 70 airlines, including international carriers like Air France, Lufthansa, and Japan Airlines. Its operations extend beyond airlines to retail partners like Starbucks.

The settlement's terms are designed to prevent a repeat of past behavior. Flying Food Group must formally pledge to employees that it will not obstruct exits, spy on union activities, promise benefits to discourage union support, or threaten workers for protected activities. The agreement contains a powerful enforcement clause: if the company fails to comply, the NLRB can reissue its complaint and obtain a federal court judgment without a new trial, with all original allegations deemed admitted.

“The bravery and commitment workers showed despite working for a company like Flying Food Group is true inspiration,” said Susan Minato, co-president of UNITE HERE Local 11. “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.”

Ripple Effects and Lingering Tensions

The case's resolution is expected to have ripple effects across the airline services industry, where low-wage workers often labor out of the public eye. The rare admission of guilt sets a powerful precedent, potentially emboldening other workers and putting pressure on airlines to ensure their supply chains are ethical and compliant with labor laws.

However, the situation on the ground remains complex. While UNITE HERE Local 11 secured a major victory, the union itself has faced federal unfair labor practice charges from some Flying Food Group employees. Charges filed in 2025 by workers Kenia Solano and Esperanza Maciel alleged harassment and intimidation from union officials in retaliation for their opposition to the union's leadership and their efforts to initiate a decertification election. These counter-allegations suggest a fractured workforce and highlight the internal complexities that can accompany hard-fought labor battles.

As the dust settles from the landmark NLRB agreement, the focus now shifts to ensuring compliance and continuing the push for accountability. Workers and union representatives are planning to hold a “Truth Commission” on April 13th, an event designed to give employees a public platform to share their experiences and discuss the path forward to ensure a safe and dignified workplace.