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Flying Food Group, LLC
212 N. Sangamon Street, Suite 1A, Chicago, Illinois 60607, U.S.A.
November 4, 2024
Sent Via Email: [EMAIL ADDRESS]
[NAME]
[COMPANY]
RE: UNITE HERE Bargaining Update
Dear [TITLE NAME],
I am reaching out to share an update on the status of collective bargaining negotiations
between Flying Food Group, LLC (“Flying Food”) and UNITE HERE, Local 1 (“Local 1”).
Local 1 represents Flying Food’s employees at its Schiller Park, Illinois facility that services
customers at O’Hare International Airport.
Since December 2022, Flying Food has been bargaining in good faith with Local 1 to
reach agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement. Our most recent bargaining session
occurred on October 1, 2024, and we have another bargaining session scheduled for November
18, 2024. We have been making progress in our negotiations with Local 1. Flying Food’s latest
proposal includes an increase in base wage rates of at least 8% over the life of the contract.
Currently Flying Food entry level employees at the Schiller Park facility are paid a minimum of
$18.65 per hour. The State of Illinois and Cook County minimum wage rate is $14.00.
In addition, we offer our Schiller Park employees the same benefits as our Corporate
employes, which include: three medical plans with different coverage options, including the
ability to cover the employee’s spouse and children; dental and vision coverage; 401(k)
retirement plan with an employer contribution match; life insurance and disability insurance;
employee assistance program; and tuition reimbursement. We also offer employees free hot
meals, snacks and beverages throughout the day at our onsite cafeteria. To further our
commitment to improving the health of our employees, our Schiller Park employees have
access to a free health clinic located inside the facility staffed by a nurse from Rush Hospital
which is provided at no additional cost to our employees, whether or not they elect the
company’s medical insurance coverage.
Despite our diligent efforts to negotiate with Local 1 and provide a competitive wage
proposal to our employees, we have heard that Local 1 may be planning a job action this week.
Any job action would be unnecessary and counterproductive. We look forward to continuing
our negotiations with Local 1 on November 18, 2024, and making a good faith effort to reach a
new collective bargaining agreement. We hope the union shares that objective and will focus on
bargaining in good faith as well.
Flying Food is prepared for potential disruptions caused by Local 1. We do not
anticipate the union’s tactics will impact our service to you. We have contingency plans in
place to ensure we will continue to fulfill our obligations to your company during any
union-organized actions. We remain committed to maintaining a safe and healthy work
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Flying Food Group, LLC
212 N. Sangamon Street, Suite 1A, Chicago, Illinois 60607, U.S.A.
environment for all of our employees and recognizing any rights our employees have under
applicable law to peacefully protest.
Please do not hesitate to contact me at nrondeau@flyingfood.com, if you have any
questions. We sincerely appreciate our relationship with your company.
Very Truly Yours,
FLYING FOOD GROUP, LLC
_________________________
Nicolas Rondeau
Executive Vice President, Sales and Service