Ottawa Airport Workers Strike Ends After Gategourmet Agreement

Travellers at the Ottawa International Airport can breathe a sigh of relief as food preparation workers have returned to work following a successful agreement between Gategourmet and the Teamsters Local Union 647. The strike, which commenced at 12:01 a.m. on October 15, 2023, lasted just over 13 hours before an agreement was reached in the early afternoon.

Around 50 workers initiated the walkout after a decisive vote of 35-5 rejected Gategourmet’s final offer. The negotiations had been contentious, primarily focusing on wage issues, which the union highlighted as critical to achieving a livable income for staff responsible for food and beverage services for airlines operating out of Ottawa.

The newly negotiated three-year agreement includes a minimum wage increase of at least 10 percent, with a commitment to pathways leading to a minimum of $20 per hour for all employees. Additionally, the agreement provides for improved scheduling, more full-time positions, enhanced medical benefits, and pension enhancements.

“This shows the power of a union and the power of a strike,” said Martin Cerqua, president of Teamsters Local Union 647. He emphasized that the workers united to demand fair wages and respect for their contributions. “They are extremely pleased with the gains we’ve achieved. Everyone is looking forward to getting back to work and serving Ottawa’s flying public,” Cerqua added.

Negotiations had initially faltered due to wage disparities. According to Cerqua, workers at Gategourmet earn between $17.74 and $19 per hour, which is slightly above Ontario’s minimum wage. The union pointed out that their members earn significantly less than their counterparts in cities like Calgary, where wages are more competitive.

Gategourmet’s parent company, Gategroup, expressed satisfaction with the conclusion of negotiations. In a statement, Gabby Poirier, a spokesperson for Gategroup, noted, “We thank our employees for their professionalism throughout this process and appreciate the constructive engagement of the union. This agreement supports our workforce while ensuring continuity of service for our airline partners.”

Despite these improvements, the new wage rates remain below the living wage requirement necessary to afford basic expenses. According to the Ontario Living Wage Network, the living wage for Ottawa is projected to be $23.40 per hour in 2025.

Workers expressed frustration over their compensation relative to the cost of living. A striking employee, Lan Udaykumar, shared her experience, highlighting the rising costs of groceries. “One hundred dollars used to get you five bags of groceries, and now you hardly get two bags,” she stated, emphasizing the challenges faced by workers trying to support families.

Another long-term employee, Agnello Affonso, echoed these sentiments, pointing out that the wages offered have not kept pace with living costs. “The company is not giving us money, yet they’re spending money. You can’t work for $18 an hour in this day and age,” he remarked.

The agreement marks a significant milestone for the workers at Ottawa International Airport, showcasing the impact of collective bargaining and the determination of employees to secure fair compensation in a challenging economic environment. As operations resume, the focus shifts to providing reliable service to the travelling public while addressing ongoing concerns about wage equity and living standards among airport staff.