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Flying Food VP says union's claim of lacking healthcare is ‘patently false’

Flying Food VP says union's claim of lacking healthcare is ‘patently false’
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Nicholas Rondeau Vice President of Air Sales and Marketing at Flying Food Group | LinkedIn

Nicholas Rondeau, Vice President of Air Sales and Marketing at Flying Food Group, has responded to claims from the Unite Here Local 1 union regarding employee health care coverage at the company's Schiller Park facility. In a letter to Air France, Rondeau said that the assertion that employees lack health care is "patently false." He emphasized that all workers are offered Affordable Care Act (ACA)-compliant plans and have access to a free onsite clinic.

"Unite Here’s claim that Flying Food Group employees lack access to health insurance is patently false," said Rondeau. "All ORD employees can choose from multiple health plans, and for the past 15 years, the Sue Ling Gin Foundation Trust has also funded a free onsite health clinic, staffed by Rush University nurses, available to all employees regardless of their insurance status."

Flyers distributed by Unite Here Local 1 in Chicago claimed that "47% of surveyed FFG workers do not have health insurance." Rondeau called this "a false allegation," stressing that all employees are provided with options for health care coverage in compliance with the ACA. He noted that workers can opt out or receive coverage through a spouse and mentioned three medical plans with varying coverage options.

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Rondeau expressed concerns about the flyer being used as leverage in collective bargaining negotiations. "We believe that this flyer was designed to pressure Flying Food to agree to the Unite Here health plan," he said. The company has resisted switching due to reported issues like poor service and limited access experienced by employees at its Inglewood, California facility under Unite Here Local 11’s plan.

The letter also highlighted a free onsite health clinic operated by Rush University College of Nursing, serving employees for 15 years. Sheila Leen, a nurse at the Rush FFG Health Clinic at O’Hare Airport, described its role in providing comprehensive healthcare services including chronic disease management and urgent care. According to Business Daily, Leen noted that employees consider the clinic "the best part of working at Flying Food."

Flying Food Group was founded in 1983 by entrepreneur Sue Gin and is known for providing in-flight catering services to over 70 international airlines.

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