Industrial action on behalf of the union that represents inflight caterer Gate Gourmet is set to disrupt flights departing or arriving at Toronto Pearson International Airport from today (Tuesday April 16)

Teamsters Local Union 647 is behind the action, which centres around pay.

“Our members accepted a wage freeze during the pandemic to help this company survive. Now their managers brag about how profitable their operations have become at Pearson, while proposing wage increases as low as 89 cents an hour,” Martin Cerqua, lead negotiator and president of Teamsters Local Union 647, said.

The strike will have the greatest effect on WestJet and Air Canada.

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“We anticipate there will be no impact on our international flights, but we plan to make some adjustments to food and beverage service on certain North American flights departing from and, in some cases on shorter routes, returning to Toronto,” a spokesman for Air Canada told CBC News.

WestJet has stated that it has prepared contingency plans to ensure critical supplies are available onboard. Guests who are eligible to receive an inflight meal including those in the Premium cabin or Extended Comfort seating, and all guests travelling on transatlantic flights will receive either an alternative option or a food and beverage voucher for use in the terminal, pre-departure. In addition, the is advising guests travelling to or from Toronto to plan ahead and bring an extra snack and drink for their journey.