Unite Here Local 11, a part of the larger Unite Here union, has come under scrutiny for its alleged history of self-dealing actions that seem to prioritize its political agenda over the well-being of its members. Analysis conducted by Globe Banner identified several incidents and practices that have raised concerns about the union's commitment to fair negotiations, worker representation, and responsible financial management. As a result of these actions, workers represented by Unite Here filed a decertification position with the National Labor Relations Board in August, asking for Unite Here to be removed as the official worker representative.
Lower pay for union members
Michael Saltsman, the research director at the Employment Policies Institute, called Local 11 "Los Angeles’ most aggressive union" in a 2017 op-ed in The Orange County Register. Reports of disruptive pressure tactics, including the use of loud bullhorns near hotels and residential areas early in the morning, have historically raised concerns among both residents and workers. Saltsman also points out that in 2014, Local 11 attempted to get a pay cut for its members. When the LA City Council passed a new minimum wage specifically for hotel workers, Local 11 lobbied the city council and won an exemption to that minimum wage for its union members who work at hotels, resulting in lower wages compared to nonunion hotel employees in the same area.
According to the Anaheim Observer, the union's membership plummeted more than 70% during the pandemic. However, the union’s three co-presidents reportedly granted themselves significant pay raises, prompting criticism for their actions during a period of mass unemployment. Co-president Ada Briceño got a 10.5% salary boost in 2021, from $118,005 to $130,431 – which followed a $4,000 pay bump in 2020. Co-presidents Susan Minato and Kurt Peterson got 16% pay raises in 2021, each jumping from $116,587 to $135,122 annually. Additionally, Peterson’s daughter Hannah, who is on the Local 11 payroll, received a 7.7% pandemic pay hike, from $58,839 to $63,423.
Despite the decline in membership, Local 11 raised dues by 20% during this time, largely impacting unemployed members. This decision sharply contrasts with other California locals of Unite Here, which did not raise dues during the same period.
Fewer benefits for workers
During early summer of 2023, airline catering company Flying Food Group (FFG) developed a comprehensive healthcare plan with better benefits than the one offered by Local 11, as reported by California Business Daily. However, the union allegedly prohibited FFG from making this plan available to its employees. FFG's proposed healthcare plan allowed employees to choose their preferred doctor and hospital, unlike the union plan, which reportedly restricted them to a single hospital. The union not only rejected FFG's plan, but through a collective bargaining agreement, Local 11 prohibited FFG from even offering the new insurance options to employees. Commentators pointed to Unite Here’s contract with the hospital as a likely reason for the Union’s decision to limit worker options.
As a result, in August, FFG employees filed a decertification petition, requesting the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) hold an election to gauge if Unite Here Local 11 Union still held the majority support of the company’s employees, as reported by Coachella Valley Times. Unite Here had been pushing the City Council to revoke FFG’s license to operate, risking union jobs. John Eagan, FFG's Associate General Counsel, noted a lack of union support during an April strike, with a significant portion of employees continuing to work.
After the strike, the union escalated efforts to revoke FFG's license, potentially crippling their operations. A hearing scheduled for Sept. 14 to set the election date was indefinitely postponed due to allegations raised by Unite Here. FFG proposed holding the election on Sept. 20 at their facility, but the union proposed delaying or not having the election, suggesting an off-site location. The National Labor Relations Board is expected to schedule the election sometime this winter.
Does not negotiate in good faith
Local 11 does not negotiate or operate in good faith, according to a September 7 op-ed in the Los Angeles Daily News, which sheds light on the accusations made by Lynn S. Mohrfeld, president and CEO of the California Hotel & Lodging Association. According to Mohrfeld, Local 11 has been walking away from discussions during strikes, leading to frustration among hotel employees and a shift of focus towards a political agenda rather than prioritizing the needs of its members.
In July 2023, a bargaining group representing nearly 50 Southern California hotels filed an unfair labor practices complaint against Local 11 with the National Labor Relations Board, according to Los Angeles Daily News. The charges accuse Local 11 of breaking the law by attempting to force the hotels into a contract with elements that had nothing to do with their employees and “could harm the Los Angeles tourism industry.” This filing underscores the strained relationship between the union and the establishments it represents.
In October, Unite Here Local 11 attempted to impose a $25 per hour wage mandate on local convention centers, concert halls, stadiums, and sports arenas in Orange County, as reported by The Orange County Register. However, the voters of Anaheim, California rejected the proposal, signaling resistance to what some have deemed radical measures by the union.
Examination of Unite Here Local 11 reveals a concerning pattern of self-dealing actions, suggesting prioritization of its political agenda over the welfare of its members. Left unchecked, Unite Here Local 11’s reputation for overly aggressive tactics, self-dealing, and bad-faith negotiation will continue to undermine support from the very workers they claim to support and lead to further decline in membership.