Food and beverages on some flights departing from Pearson may be affected by a potential strike

A union representing workers who prepare in-flight meals for several airlines at Toronto Pearson International Airport says workers may walk off the job next week, which they say could leave many flights without food or drink.

Teamsters Local Union 647, which represents more than 800 workers at the Gate Gourmet airline, said it may strike on April 16.

“We are in a cost of living crisis, yet Gate Gourmet ignores the basic needs of its employees' families and refuses to pay workers a living wage. We will strike unless this company recognizes the cost of lives,” Martin Cerqua, the union's lead negotiator and Teamsters Local Union 647 president, said in a written statement released Tuesday.

A spokesperson for Gate Gourmet Canada said in a statement that negotiations are ongoing with the union over wages, benefits and safety.

“Gate Gourmet Canada continues to have good faith discussions with the Union to make improvements to the wages and benefits of our employees in Toronto, as always to ensure we meet market standards. Safety is our number one priority. In the workplace and as we work to ensure compliance with business requirements and reduce the risk of injury continuously evaluate staffing levels and operational procedures for

“The collective bargaining process may take some time, but we are committed to reaching a new labor agreement as quickly and without disruption as possible.”

The union said both Air Canada and WestJet could be affected by the potential labor action.

In a statement sent to CP24 on Wednesday, WestJet said steps have been taken to minimize the impact of a potential strike.

“…Our catering team has prepared contingency plans to minimize the impact on WestJet's operations in Toronto to ensure we can continue to serve food and beverage to our guests on board,” the statement said.

Air Canada said it was too early to comment on a possible strike.

“We are aware of the situation, but it is too early to speculate,” the airline said in a statement to CP24.com, noting that Gate Gourmet is an “independent supplier” to the industry.

Teamsters Canada director of public relations Christopher Monette told CP24 the union will enter into two days of mediation with the employer and the provincial government on Thursday and Friday.

Monette said the workers will go on strike at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday if negotiations fail.

He noted that he plans to set up picket lines at Gate Gourmet at the airport, but has not yet ruled out picketing at the terminals.

Other airlines likely to be affected by the strike include United Airlines, Delta Airlines, TAP Air Portugal, Air India, Aero Mexico, SAS Scandinavian Airlines and Jetlines, the union said.