Potential Strike at Gate Gourmet Could Leave Toronto Pearson Passengers Without Food

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Travelers departing from Toronto Pearson International Airport may soon witness flights devoid of in-flight meals and beverages, as over 800 employees of Gate Gourmet, a prominent airline catering and logistics firm, are on the brink of a strike. The strike could commence as early as this Tuesday, putting pressure on the company to address wage concerns.

The union representing these workers, Teamsters Local Union 647, has voiced its dissatisfaction, stating that the wages paid by Gate Gourmet fall "well below industry standards." Martin Cerqua, the lead union negotiator and president of the union, expressed in a news release, "We are in a cost-of-living crisis, but Gate Gourmet is ignoring their employees' families' basic needs and won't agree to pay workers a living wage. We're going on strike unless this company steps up to the plate and finally acknowledges how expensive life has gotten."

The potential strike could significantly impact in-flight services for several airlines operating out of the airport. The union has listed airlines such as Air Canada, West Jet, United Airlines, Delta Airlines, TAP Air Portugal, Air India, Aero Mexico, SAS Scandinavian Airlines, and Jetlines as those that would be affected. Gate Gourmet workers are responsible for cooking, packing, and delivering meals, snacks, beverages, and other supplies to planes for in-flight service.

Aside from wage disputes, the union has also raised concerns about reduced staffing levels at Gate Gourmet since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Teamsters Local Union 647, which represents approximately 3,000 food industry workers across Ontario, this reduction in staff has led to an increase in workplace accidents. The union highlighted that there have been seven incidents involving hi-lift truck drivers in the past three months alone.

As the potential strike looms, travelers and airlines alike await a resolution that could avert disruptions to in-flight services at Toronto Pearson International Airport.