David Cotton, CEO of Flying Food Group, emphasized the need for ongoing contract negotiations with Unite Here without union disruptions at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). He highlighted the importance of employee health insurance during a Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) board meeting.
"Healthcare is a key point in negotiations as we must ensure, as Sue did, that our employees receive quality health insurance," said Cotton. "We hope that Unite Here will return to the bargaining table and finalize a contract rather than interfere with operations at LAX. We have been waiting 11 months for Unite Here to provide crucial information about their health fund, including confirmation that all employees are receiving health insurance and have not had claims improperly denied."
According to SFGate, a 2023 demonstration organized by UNITE HERE Local 11 led to nearly 200 arrests, including two Los Angeles City Council members. The protest took place on a boulevard leading to LAX and was permitted, yet it escalated into large-scale arrests. The involvement of elected officials among those detained highlights the political visibility and potential legal challenges associated with such actions. It also underscores the risks posed to passengers and airport operations when protests occur near travel infrastructure.