Food service strike: Air Canada, WestJet improve menus at Toronto Pearson

More than 800 workers responsible for providing food and beverages to flights departing from Toronto Pearson International Airport have gone on strike.

Workers at Gate Gourmet's airline catering and logistics company went on strike Tuesday after 96 percent voted to reject the company's latest offer, Teamsters Local Union 647 said in a statement.

“Our members have accepted a wage freeze during the pandemic to help this company survive,” said Martin Cerqua, the union's chief negotiator and president of Local 647.

“Now their managers are offering to raise wages to 89 cents an hour and brag about how profitable their operations at Pearson have become.”

The union expects many flights out of Toronto to be short on food; Affected airlines include WestJet, United Airlines, Delta Airlines, TAP Air Portugal, Air India, Aero Mexico, SAS Scandinavian Airlines, Jetlines, as well as Air Canada, which is the most affected by the union strike.

The union added that Gate Gourmet workers are paid an average of between $17.69 and $20 an hour, which is lower than other airline catering companies in Toronto and Gate Gourmet workers in Vancouver. The union also claims the layoffs put workers at risk.

In a statement, Gate Gourmet Canada said it was “disappointed” the strike was going ahead.

“On Friday, the union informed us that it was suspending negotiations and demanded the latest offer from Gate Gourmet Canada. “Despite our belief that Gate Gourmet's offer is fair and market competitive, the union has walked away from the bargaining table,” he said, adding that the company is offering a 12 percent wage increase over three years.

“In our work in Toronto, we have developed contingency plans with airline customers to minimize any impact to them and their passengers. We will continue to ensure that our employees do the right thing and that the strike is called off so that we can continue to partner with our airline customers and continue to serve travelers.”

It's a trend now

• The boy's body was pulled from Lake Ontario after a friend tried to rescue him

• Here's what you need to know about the changes to capital gains taxes in Budget 2024

Air Canada and WestJet, Canada's largest airlines, said in separate statements that they were preparing for layoffs.

“We expect no impact on our international flights, but we plan to make some adjustments to food and beverage service on North American flights departing from Toronto and, in some cases, returning to Toronto on shorter routes,” an Air Canada spokesperson said. Global News Toronto said in a statement on Tuesday.

“Short-haul flights of less than two hours are most affected.”

The airline will have fewer menu options on North American flights of more than two hours, and no hot meals on flights of less than two hours; food and water service remains.

In addition, WestJet said its Boeing 737 flights out of Pearson will be affected.

“Guests entitled to in-flight meals, including those in the premium cabin or extended comfort seats, and all guests traveling on transatlantic flights may receive an alternative option or a food and beverage voucher for use in the terminal, prior to departure,” the company said in a statement on its website.

“Additionally, WestJet advises guests traveling to or from Toronto to plan ahead and bring additional food and/or beverages for their trip.”

© 2024 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.