Over 600 RWDSU Local 1102 Members Win Historic Contract at Flying Food Group in Newark
The next time you’re at 35,000 feet enjoying an in-flight meal on a flight departing from Newark Liberty International Airport, there’s a good chance it was made and delivered by the hard-working members of RWDSU Local 1102.
In September, more than 600 airline catering workers at Flying Food Group at EWR in Newark, New Jersey, overwhelmingly voted to ratify a powerful new three-year union contract. From the kitchen staff preparing thousands of in-flight meals behind the scenes to the drivers navigating busy tarmac operations to load food onto planes on-time, these essential workers keep air travel moving every single day. By standing shoulder-to-shoulder at the bargaining table, they secured an agreement that finally matches their dedication with real economic security, safer working conditions, and forward-looking job protections.
Raising the Bar for Working Families
This victory in Newark is the latest in a string of major bargaining wins for RWDSU members across the country, proof that when working people stick together, they set higher standards for everyone. Across food production, retail, and hospitality, strong union contracts remain the single best tool workers have to keep up with the rising cost of living, demand dignity on the job, and make sure companies share their success with the people who actually power their business.
In a rapidly changing economy, a strong contract isn’t just about a better paycheck today; it’s about building lasting stability and protection for the future.
What Local 1102 Members Won
The newly ratified three-year agreement delivers major improvements across the board, including:
Record-Breaking Pay Raises: Members secured the largest wage increases ever negotiated at this facility, putting meaningful money directly into workers' pockets to help combat rising everyday costs.
More Paid Time Off: The contract expands holiday benefits, giving hard-working members more well-deserved time away from the job to spend with family and loved ones.
Better Cold-Weather Protections: Workers who spend their shifts in refrigerated and cold-storage environments won additional breaks, putting health, safety, and comfort front and center.
New AI and IT Job Safeguards: As technology rapidly changes the modern workplace, members secured vital new contract language governing artificial intelligence and information technology to protect union jobs for years to come.
The Power of Standing Together
From start to finish, this contract victory was driven by the unity and determination of the workers on the shop floor.
“Our members are the strength of our union,” said Jack Caffey, President of RWDSU Local 1102. “When we stand together, we win stronger contracts and better protections for working families. This is what union solidarity is all about.”
With this historic agreement locked in, RWDSU Local 1102 members at Flying Food Group have raised the bar for airline catering workers across the region, showing once again what’s possible when workers organize, unite, and fight for what they deserve.
