Mark Mix, president of the National Right to Work Foundation, said that UNITE HERE is an “aggressive organization” that disrespects workers’ rights. This comment follows a Flying Food Group employee filing federal charges alleging harassment and physical intimidation for opposing the union.
“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,” said 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.”
Unite Here Local 11 is currently facing a third round of federal unfair labor practice charges from employees at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)-based Flying Food Group. According to worker Esperanza Maciel, she experienced harassment and retaliation due to her efforts to oppose the union. Maciel, supported by attorneys from the National Right to Work Foundation, claims union officials targeted her with public false accusations and intimidation after she advocated for a vote to decertify the union. “Unite Here union officials do not care about creating a workplace where everyone is treated with respect,” Maciel said. She further alleged that those who disagree with the union are demonized and isolated within the workplace.
According to a news release from the National Right to Work Foundation (NRTW), two employees at Flying Food Group have filed federal charges accusing UNITE HERE Local 11 of harassment, intimidation, and physical aggression following their opposition to the union’s influence in their workplace. The latest charge was filed by employee Kenia Solano, who alleges that union agents retaliated against her for organizing anti-union conversations, leading to a physical incident with a union steward in December 2024.
The Original Pantry Cafe, a historic Los Angeles diner operating since 1924, has permanently closed after nearly a century of service. According to an op-ed by Jennifer Oliver O’Connell for Red State, escalating conflict with Unite Here! Local 11 contributed significantly to its closure. The downtown eatery was known for its no-lock doors and round-the-clock hours but faced challenges as it attempted negotiations with the union representing its staff. “The Pantry is now no longer, thanks to the restaurant’s built-in workforce of proud union members,” O’Connell said.
Former Los Angeles mayor Richard Riordan owned The Original Pantry Cafe before it passed into his trust following his death. As preparations were made to sell the business, Unite Here! demanded job guarantees for current workers under any future ownership—demands ultimately rejected by the trust. Instead of proceeding under these terms, the trust chose to shut down operations entirely after an unsuccessful unfair labor practice complaint. “Guaranteed employment versus no employment at all? Seems like those leaders chose the latter to prove a point,” O’Connell commented. She criticized what she described as “performative theater” by Unite Here!, arguing it achieved nothing effective while making them appear active without actual accomplishments.
Mark Mix also serves as president of both the National Right to Work Committee and its Legal Defense Foundation.
