News Summary
Catering workers at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport protested after the suspension of a whistleblower who highlighted unsafe working conditions. The city’s inspection found LSG Sky Chefs’ trucks lacking air conditioning, with interior temperatures exceeding 100°F. Workers demand better safety standards and accountability from the catering vendor. Unite HERE Local 11 filed charges related to the suspension, pushing for protections against retaliation for those voicing safety concerns. As the city imposes a compliance deadline, the situation remains tense amidst calls for improved worker welfare.
Phoenix, Arizona – Catering workers at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport staged a protest on Saturday following the suspension of a whistleblower who raised concerns about unsafe working conditions. The worker, Filiberto Lares, was suspended from his position at LSG Sky Chefs, a catering vendor for the airport, sparking outrage among employees who gathered outside Terminal 4 to demonstrate for better safety standards.
This week, the city of Phoenix accused LSG Sky Chefs of violating local heat and safety ordinances after a city inspector reported that none of the twelve inspected catering trucks had functioning air conditioning. The interior temperatures of these trucks reportedly exceeded 100 degrees Fahrenheit, creating extreme heat conditions for employees.
Lares, who has dedicated 28 years to working for LSG Sky Chefs, emerged as a prominent spokesperson advocating for the welfare of airport workers. His suspension followed his testimony to the Phoenix City Council about the hazardous work environment, which raised questions about the treatment of staff in the catering industry. Many employees joined the protest in solidarity with Lares, expressing their concerns over unsafe working conditions that could pose serious health risks.
In response to the allegations, LSG Sky Chefs confirmed their commitment to strict safety policies but declined to provide specifics about Lares’s employment situation. Despite their stance on safety, the company acknowledged the findings of the city’s inspections, which highlighted non-compliance with safety regulations concerning air conditioning in their trucks.
The protests gained traction following Lares’s suspension on Thursday, which many workers view as an act of retaliation for speaking out against unsafe practices. Workers are concerned that similar repercussions could await others who dare to raise their voices about safety in the workplace. Unite HERE Local 11, the union representing a significant number of employees at the airport, filed charges with the Arizona Industrial Commission regarding Lares’s suspension in hopes of countering what they perceive as unjust treatment.
The city has been proactive in ensuring the safety of its over 47,000 workers at Sky Harbor, including those employed by vendors such as LSG Sky Chefs. City officials have set a deadline for the company to submit a detailed compliance plan by July 15 and are closely monitoring the situation. Failing to comply with the city’s heat regulations could potentially lead to contract termination for LSG Sky Chefs, further heightening tensions between the city and the catering vendor.
As an interim measure, LSG Sky Chefs initiated the distribution of cooling towels to staff to alleviate the impact of the extreme heat conditions. However, local officials, including Councilmember Betty Guardado, have called the company’s neglect of worker safety “inhumane,” reflecting a broader concern for employee well-being across the airport’s vendor operations.
The protests at Phoenix Sky Harbor underscore the ongoing struggle for safer working conditions in the catering industry, especially in high-heat environments. As workers continue to rally for their rights and safety, the situation remains fluid, with city officials determined to uphold regulations designed to protect the health and safety of workers.
As discussions between LSG Sky Chefs and the city progress, many workers remain hopeful for improvements in working conditions, while also demanding accountability for any repercussions faced by those who dare to speak out against unsafe practices.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- AZ Family
- Wikipedia: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
- MSN News
- Google Search: heat safety regulations Phoenix
- ABC 15 News
- Google Scholar: catering worker rights
- Hoodline
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Filiberto Lares
- Fox 10 Phoenix
- Google News: Sky Harbor witness complaints
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
