LAX foodservice worker files federal charges against union for alleged intimidation

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GLOBAL INDUSTRY NEWS

Blaine L. Hutchison | Staff Attorney (2019-Present) | NRTWLD&EF, Inc

By Sky Industry News

Apr 28, 2025

An employee at the Los Angeles International Airport's Flying Food Group has filed federal charges against the Unite Here Local 11 union. The employee, Kenia Solano, alleges harassment, intimidation, and physical confrontation by union officials in response to her opposition to the union's influence. The charges were submitted to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) Region 21 with free legal assistance from National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation staff attorneys.

Solano has expressed her concerns, stating, “Unite Here has been a terrible presence in our workplace. Our contracts are bad and union representatives treat me and anyone who disagrees even a little bit with the union like we are evil.” She emphasized her right to oppose the union and communicate her viewpoints to her coworkers without facing intimidation.

The NLRB, which oversees federal labor law enforcement and disputes involving management, unions, and employees, is reviewing the charges. The National Labor Relations Act prohibits retaliation by union officials or employers against employees who express opinions about union control.

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Solano's charges illustrate her role as a vocal critic since June 2024. She organized meetings to discuss the negative impacts of the union on the workplace. “Because of her dissident activities, [Solano] has been the constant target of harassment, bullying, and retaliation or attempted retaliation by the Union through its agents and representative,” the charges document.

The document further describes incidents where Unite Here representatives have attempted to isolate Solano by warning employees that her actions jeopardize their jobs. In December 2024, tensions escalated when union shop steward Esperanza Montes allegedly seized a washing bin from Solano and threw it on the ground. Montes reportedly continued to confront Solano despite the supervisor's presence.

“[Unite Here]…has attempted to restrain and coerce [Solano] in the exercise of her rights…and has retaliated against Charging Party for engaging in protected activity under the Act,” the charges assert.

Flying Food Group employee Esperanza Maciel also lodged charges against Local 11 in September 2024 after a union organizer reportedly stirred a group demanding her dismissal.

These incidents align with ongoing federal investigations into alleged rights violations at Flying Foods by Unite Here Local 11. National Right to Work Foundation attorneys are assisting workers nationwide in contesting the union's tactics, which include organizing threats and noncompliance with dues payment rights.

Foundation President Mark Mix remarked, “Unite Here Local 11 officials may as well change the union’s name to ‘Unite Here or else.’” Mix highlighted numerous instances where employees faced intimidation for opposing the union. He reassured workers of their rights to reject union membership and refuse dues payment, stating, “Foundation attorneys stand ready to help them exercise their rights.”