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UNITE HERE Local 40's Concerns About Paradies Lagardère

In a significant move, UNITE HERE Local 40, an influential union representing airport and hospitality workers, has reached out to the Jacksonville City Council, advocating for the termination of its partnership with Paradies Lagardère at Jacksonville International Airport (JAX). The council is approaching a key decision on November 17 regarding a new retail concessions contract, in which Paradies Lagardère is a contender. This situation highlights serious apprehensions voiced by the union, documented in a recent letter addressed to local officials.

Issues With Paradies Lagardère

The letter from UNITE HERE Local 40 lays out various issues concerning Paradies Lagardère's operations at JAX and other airports throughout North America. One alarming detail is the disallowance from entry by Paradies Lagardère into the Retail Concessions contract; the company received a disappointing score of 2.33 out of 5 in the Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) criteria during evaluation by the Jacksonville Aviation Authority (JAA). This score raises flags about Paradies' commitment to supporting small and disadvantaged businesses within the Jacksonville community.

Moreover, UNITE HERE Local 40 shines a light on troubling labor practices previously associated with Paradies. The company has faced significant criticism for its treatment of workers, including having settled a federal class-action lawsuit addressing issues of unpaid wages and missed meal breaks, which affected over 3,000 airport employees across multiple airports.

Worker Testimonies

Reports from employees at various Paradies-operated locations indicate patterns of erratic scheduling, reduced hours after initial probation periods, and frustratingly limited access to benefits. These testimonies paint a concerning picture of a work environment that prioritizes profit over the welfare of its employees.

In addition to labor issues, there are operational challenges evident at JAX. UNITE HERE points out that Paradies' food and beverage offerings have underperformed when compared to other concessionaires. This is compounded by allegations of repeated health and safety violations at locations managed by Paradies in various other airports, further impacting their reputation.

A Call to Action

In light of these serious concerns, UNITE HERE Local 40 is advocating for immediate action from the Jacksonville City Council. The union urges the following steps:
1. Suspend Consideration of Paradies Lagardère: The council should halt any ongoing deliberations regarding awarding Paradies Lagardère the retail concessions contract scheduled for November 17, based on the issues raised.
2. End Existing Contracts: The union is pushing for a cessation of Paradies’ current holdover operation of existing retail and restaurant contracts at Jacksonville International Airport, advocating for a reevaluation of who is truly deserving of these contracts.
3. Prioritize Ethical Operators: Future awards should be directed to operators that showcase consistent operational excellence, adherence to fair labor standards, and genuine engagement with disadvantaged business enterprises.

UNITE HERE Local 40's Mission

UNITE HERE Local 40 serves as an affiliate of UNITE HERE, an international union that champions the cause of workers in the airport concessions and hospitality sectors across North America. It focuses on securing fair wages, establishing robust labor standards, and creating equitable economic opportunities for its members. The concerns raised by the union reflect a larger movement for reinvigorated labor practices that prioritize worker rights and community support within the bustling airport industry.

As the Jacksonville City Council weighs its options before the impending contract decision, the dialogue surrounding Paradies Lagardère’s operational ethics highlights the critical need for accountability in public and private partnerships.