There could be significant disruption for travelers at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) for weeks to come, after airport food and beverage workers voted in favor of strike action on Thursday.
Local 40, the union representing food service workers at YVR, announced that 85 per cent of its members voted in favor of a strike after negotiations with the employer, SSP Canada Food Services, broke down.
“After months of negotiations, more than 200 low-wage SSP workers may be leaving their jobs in the fight to earn a living wage in Metro Vancouver,” the union said in a statement Friday.
“According to recent union data, the average wage for food and beverage services at the world-class airport is just $18.27, well below Metro Vancouver’s living wage of $25.68. Meanwhile, YVR Airport 92 million and is on track to surpass that number in 2023,” the union claimed.
“A union survey of YVR food service workers last month found that 89% are struggling to pay their bills and housing costs. 92% of these workers are struggling to make ends meet from month to month. Nearly 40% said they had reduced their purchases of fresh food, and 52% were no longer able to feed their families as well as before.
is more than 1.1 million passengers are expected to pass through the airport The airport announced Wednesday that a strike could occur over spring break and Easter weekend, the busiest time of the year.
“Employees serve travelers at dozens of food and beverage outlets in the airport’s domestic and international terminals. The hiring action will disrupt daily airport operations as the spring break and Easter weekend rush approaches. Deaf,” the union shared.
Speaking to City News, union representative Sharan Pawa explained that food service workers serve travelers at both the domestic and international terminals.
“They are primarily women and immigrants who see the pay disparity that occurs at the airport and are fighting for a $25 living wage so they can raise their families here against the rising cost of living. ”’
Picket lines can be set up at any time after workers issue a 72-hour strike notice, but it’s up to workers to decide when to issue the notice, Pawa said.
“We will keep everyone updated on this issue, but at this time we would like to see employers return to the bargaining table,” she added.
“We ask travelers to be aware that this is a large-scale conflict currently occurring at YVR Airport.”
In a statement to City News, YVR said it was aware that SSP workers had voted in favor of strike action.
“YVR is not a party to the negotiations between SPP Canada Food Services and Unite Here Local 40. … We hope the parties can reach a mutually beneficial agreement,” the airport said. .
–With files from Cole Schisler