“Restaurant Union Movement Dealt Another Blow”

The budding union at Lodi​​, an upscale restaurant in midtown, has been dealt another blow.

Workers first announced they had gathered enough support among staff to form a union early 2023. Shortly after, they say, Lodi owner Ignacio Mattos refused to acknowledge the union…

On May 1, Administrative Law Judge Michael A. Rosas dismissed the majority of the charges that the NLRB had brought, and did not order another election or force Mattos Hospitality to bargain with the union. He also ruled that Mattos Hospitality, the owner of the restaurant, had violated labor laws on three counts…

“While we continue to dispute claims that any unlawful practices occurred, we are pleased that the judge dismissed the overwhelming majority of the several dozen unfair labor practices alleged,” Gregg Gilman, the lead counsel for Mattos Hospitality and Lodi, said. ..

… Lodi’s restaurant union drive was one of a handful of small restaurant unions in the city as more and more workers in small-sized restaurants have recently sought union recognition...

For immigrant workers like Enrique, being part of this union presented important protections in an industry prone to exploit immigrant workers. ..