Union presses United to disinfect kitchen after virus cases

A union representing catering workers wants to shut down a United facility in New Jersey, saying that more than 40 workers have contracted the new coronavirus and four have died. Before the virus outbreak caused United to drastically cut flights, about 1,000 people at the facility at Newark Liberty International Airport worked for United, preparing food and drinks and removing garbage from planes. Because of United's drastic cuts in flying — it is operating only about 10% of its normal flights in May — only about 100 people currently work in the facility, according to the union, Unite Here. The union and workers acknowledged that they aren't sure how they contracted the virus, although some believe it happened at work. United did not dispute the union's numbers about illnesses and deaths. The kitchen is located just outside New York City, in the heart of the worst COVID-19 outbreak in the United States. Workers said conditions including the supply of face masks and gloves have improved since the early days of the virus outbreak in March. United said it has complied with many requests made by a worker-safety committee at the kitchen. Airline spokeswoman Rachael Rivas said that since mid-March, the facility has been disinfected daily, with some common areas cleaned every two hours. She said workers are tested for fever, and there are social-distancing rules. <br/>