Unions Urge Alaska Air to Cut Ties with Caterer Over Labor Violations
Event summary
- UNITE HERE Locals 11 and 2 filed a complaint on September 1, 2026, urging Alaska Air Group to enforce its Supplier Code of Conduct against inflight caterer Flying Food Group (FFG).
- The complaint highlights multiple violations, including workplace safety hazards, wage theft allegations, and sexual harassment claims at FFG's Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) kitchen.
- Cal/OSHA has cited FFG multiple times for safety violations, including locked cold storage rooms and unsanitary conditions, with some citations still under appeal.
- FFG has faced wage theft allegations spanning a decade and settled with the National Labor Relations Board in March 2026 over union-related violations.
The big picture
The complaint against FFG highlights the growing scrutiny on labor practices within the airline supply chain, particularly in inflight catering. Alaska Air Group's decision to replace FFG at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) suggests a potential shift in supplier preferences, which could signal broader industry trends toward stricter compliance with labor standards. The case also underscores the role of unions in advocating for worker rights and holding parent companies accountable for their suppliers' practices.
What we're watching
- Supplier Risk
- How Alaska Air Group's response to the complaint will affect its supplier relationships and operational continuity.
- Regulatory Scrutiny
- Whether increased regulatory scrutiny will lead to further investigations or penalties for FFG or similar suppliers.
- Labor Relations
- The pace at which unions and workers will push for broader enforcement of labor codes across the airline industry.
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