Flying Food Group (FFG), a major airline catering company, is reaffirming its commitment to employee welfare as it continues union negotiations with UNITE HERE Local 1.
In a letter to clients sent on Nov. 4, FFG outlined its current benefits for unionized workers and provided updates on the bargaining process.
Since December 2022, FFG has been in ongoing negotiations with Local 1, which represents workers at its Schiller Park facility. The most recent bargaining session took place on Oct. 1, with another scheduled for Nov. 18. In its letter, FFG highlighted the progress made so far and presented its wage proposal, which includes an 8% increase over the life of the proposed contract.
Currently, FFG pays entry-level workers a minimum of $18.65 per hour despite Illinois’ minimum wage of $14.00. Under the new proposal, wages would increase progressively each year until the contract expires in February 2027. Specialized roles, such as chefs and drivers, would have higher starting rates.
The proposal also includes a seniority pay incentive, offering an additional $0.10 per hour for employees with one year of service, $0.20 for two years, and $0.30 for three or more years.
The company’s benefits package, which is available to both unionized and corporate employees, includes medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance. Employees also have access to a 401(k) retirement plan with employer contributions and an on-site health clinic staffed by Rush Hospital nurses.
FFG’s clinic is available to employees at no additional cost, regardless of whether they participate in the company’s insurance plans.
In its letter, FFG assured customers that contingency plans are in place to prevent disruptions during any potential union-led actions to maintain service and ensure employee safety.
FFG reiterated its commitment to “good faith” negotiations with UNITE HERE Local 1, while expressing concerns about possible union actions.
“Despite our diligent efforts to negotiate with Local 1 and provide a competitive wage proposal to our employees, we have heard that Local 1 may be planning a job action this week,” the letter said. “Any job action would be unnecessary and counterproductive. We look forward to continuing our negotiations with Local 1 on November 18, 2024… and hope the union shares that objective.”
UNITE HERE Local 1 has requested that FFG enroll its employees in a union-managed health plan, which FFG says it cannot support because of its existing healthcare offerings.
