LAX Flying Foods worker files third round of labor practice charges against local union

Maciel’s charges claim she faced harassment due to her advocacy against Unite Here officials and her petition for a decertification election. According to her charges, on May 3, a Unite Here representative refused to discuss health benefits with her because she was not part of the union and falsely accused her of participating in an anti-immigrant protest in San Francisco.

Maciel questioned why money was deducted from her wages monthly by the union but received no response regarding healthcare. Instead, the official allegedly shouted that no one would remove the union despite her opposition.

Unite Here Local 11 is under federal investigation for violating workers' rights at Flying Foods. In September 2024, Maciel charged Local 11 after a union organizer allegedly incited a mob demanding her firing. Another employee, Kenia Solano, also reported being isolated and involved in an altercation over opposing the union.

These actions occur as Foundation attorneys assist foodservice and hospitality workers nationwide challenging illegal tactics by Unite Here officials. Maria Uriostegui and Erika Chavez were featured in a Foundation mini-documentary titled “The Reality of Union Bullying by UNITE HERE,” which has gained significant attention online.

“Independent-minded workers in the foodservice and hospitality industries are standing up to unmask Unite Here as an aggressive organization that prizes consolidating power in workplaces far above respecting employees’ rights and opinions,” commented National Right to Work Foundation President Mark Mix. “Foodservice and hospitality workers nationwide should know that they have rights to end union membership, speak out against union bosses, and refuse to pay some or potentially all union dues without having to fear retaliation, and that Foundation attorneys stand ready to help them exercise any and all of those rights.”