Gate Gourmet workers who supply food for flights out of Toronto Pearson are back at work. But it could take a few days for service to be fully restored, so travellers might want to keep their Tupperware handy just in case.
Some 800 workers responsible for cooking and delivering in-flight food for Gate Gourmet reached a labour agreement with the company on 29APR, officially ending a strike that began 13 days earlier.
“After months of bargaining and almost two weeks on the picket line, we are pleased to announce a tentative agreement with Gate Gourmet,” Martin Cerqua, president of Teamsters Local Union 647, said in a written statement. “I would like to thank our members for their incredible courage and solidarity, and salute everyone who supported us throughout this process,”
It's a big step, but it doesn’t mean it’s situation normal at Canada’s busiest airport.
“We anticipate it will take a few days to fully restore normal on-board service, depending in part on the speed of the restart at Gate Gourmet,” an Air Canada spokesperson told Open Jaw. “We will be gradually transitioning from our contingency plan service to normal service over that time, beginning with international flights.”
Air Canada on 30APR sent out the following note to customers flying on 01MAY:
“We’re happy to share we expect our onboard food and beverage offerings will be back to normal soon, however, we wanted to let you know there may be some modifications to your in-flight dining experience as regular catering operations resume.
Here’s what you need to know:
Flights within North America:
- Signature Class, Business Class, and Premium Economy Class: Beverage service will be limited, and snacks or a light meal will be provided. Hot meals, special meals, and meal pre-order
service will remain suspended. If you or your travel companions have any dietary restrictions please plan accordingly, as these offerings may not meet all needs. - Economy Class: Water service and a packaged snack will be provided. Air Canada Bistro service will not be offered.
"We know that food and beverage service is an important part of your in-flight experience, and we’re very sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.”
Air Canada was one of many airlines affected by the strike. WestJet, Delta, American and other airlines also had to deal with the strike, which affected supplies for some 250 flights per day.
WestJet said catering services at YYZ should return to normal by 02MAY.
"Guests travelling between now and May 2, are still advised to plan ahead and bring an extra snack and/or beverage for their journey as operations fully restart," the company said in a statement. "We appreciate our guests’ understanding and patience throughout this disruption."
