Airline catering workers strike continues into it’s second week

The ongoing airline catering workers strike is continuing to affect several airlines, and now concerns over alleged health violations of Gourmet Gates replacement workers are coming to light. We have some serious concerns about both hygiene, about safety and about food quality. The union Teamster Local 647 says it is deeply concerned for the safety of replacement workers, who they say are unfamiliar with safety protocols. Union officials are alleging replacement workers were not seen wearing hair and beard Nets in areas where the food is handled. We have people that have been working here for 30 years, 20 years, 15 years, 10 years. These are the. These workers, I don’t blame them at all, but. They don’t have the training. They don’t have the training and the safety. It’s very important, It’s paramount. About 800 workers walked off the job last Tuesday, disrupting in flight meals, after 96% of workers rejected the final contract offer. The union saying a major sticking point is wages. We’re trying to allow our members to be able to survive in the economy. Right now, rents gone up, gas has gone up. The union says its workers are paid on average 2 to $6.00 an hour less than other Canadian airline catering companies. The labor dispute has already caused significant delays for airlines including Air Canada and WestJet among many others. This is the first time in our history we’ve been on strike and it’s we’re very disappointed that we haven’t been able to find a solution with the company. In regards to the allegations of improper food handling, A spokesperson for Gate Gourmet says it is investigating these incidents. In a statement, the company says Gate Gourmet Canada takes health and safety extremely seriously and we continue to comply with all safety regulations and Saturn operating procedures.