Gate Gourmet Airline Catering Workers on Strike at Ottawa Airport
Summarize this article with:
This section is Partnership Content suppliedThe content in this section is supplied by GlobeNewswire for the purposes of distributing press releases on behalf of its clients. Postmedia has not reviewed the content. by GlobeNewswire Article contentIn-flight meals, holiday travel from Ottawa Airport to be disruptedSign In or Create an AccountEmail AddressContinueor View more offersArticle contentOTTAWA, Ontario, Dec. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Airline catering workers at Gate Gourmet in Ottawa began strike action at 12:01 am today after last minute negotiations with the company failed.Article contentWe apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team.Article contentThe workers are members of Teamsters Local Union 647. In a last-ditch effort to avert a strike, the union offered to settle for a deal that would have left no worker below $20 per hour. Gate Gourmet refused that proposal.Article contentArticle contentCurrently, most Ottawa Gate Gourmet workers are paid between $17.74 and $19.77 per hour, well below Ottawa’s living wage. They earn roughly $5 per hour less than their colleagues at the same company, doing the same work, in Calgary. The union initially attempted to fully close that gap.Article contentTop StoriesGet the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.There was an error, please provide a valid email address.Sign UpBy signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.Thanks for signing up!A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Top Stories will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againInterested in more newsletters? Browse here.Article contentStriking workers cook, package, and deliver in-flight meals, beverages, and supplies for departing flights at Ottawa Airport.Article contentMany flights out of Ottawa Airport are expected to operate without in-flight food or beverage service during peak holiday travel. Gate Gourmet is attempting to operate with scabs, which can result in delays and knock-on cancellations (if delays cause flight crews to exceed duty hours). Scabs also raise food safety, hygiene, and security concerns.Article contentGate Gourmet is the largest airline catering company operating out of Ottawa. Airlines affected by the strike include Air Canada, West Jet, Sunwing, Air France and Canada North. Private jet service, including government VIP flights, are also impacted. Article contentQuoteArticle content“The workers preparing in-flight meals for the Prime Minister, the Ottawa Senators, and the flying public are on strike because they can’t afford to feed their own families. Our members want to work and take pride in what they do, but refuse to be exploited. If flights are disrupted or passengers go without food, that’s the direct result of Gate Gourmet choosing poverty wages over a fair deal,” said Martin Cerqua, President, Teamsters Local Union 647.Article contentPicket line informationArticle contentWho: Gate Gourmet workersWhere: Gate Gourmet, 139 Thad Johnson Private, Ottawa, ONWhen: Picket lines to be at their largest at 10am on SundayArticle contentTeamsters Local Union 647 represents approximately 3,000 food industry workers across Ontario. Teamsters Canada represents 135,000 members. Article contentMedia requests:Christopher MonetteDirector of Public AffairsTeamsters CanadaCell. : 514-226-6002 cmonette@teamsters.caArticle contentArticle contentArticle contentArticle contentArticle contentArticle contentTrending 'Why let one person in the States change your life?' For Canadian snowbirds, the stay or go dilemma gets complicated Real Estate Canada's Air Force buys six Bombardier jets for $753 million News Canada to start building multi-billion dollar high-speed rail system by 2030 Rail Charles St-Arnaud: Canada must stop relying on consumers and focus on production to boost the economy Economy Trump’s tariff revenues fell for the first time since February News Share this article in your social networkCommentsYou must be logged in to join the discussion or read more comments.Create an AccountSign in Join the Conversation Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information. 'Why let one person in the States change your life?' For Canadian snowbirds, the stay or go dilemma gets complicated Real Estate Canada's Air Force buys six Bombardier jets for $753 million News Canada to start building multi-billion dollar high-speed rail system by 2030 Rail Charles St-Arnaud: Canada must stop relying on consumers and focus on production to boost the economy Economy Trump’s tariff revenues fell for the first time since February News