Vancouver, B.C. – UNITE HERE Local 40 members who work for Gate Gourmet at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) have voted 94% “yes” to ratify a new collective agreement that will significantly raise airline catering workers’ pay. The company agreed to provide 12% wage increases to workers in Vancouver to address skyrocketing inflation. The wage boost will also make these among the best paying airline catering jobs at YVR Airport.
Nearly 300 Gate Gourmet workers who prepare and deliver meals to Air Canada and other major airlines are covered by the new three-year agreement. Workers have held escalating job actions, including rallies and an overtime ban, to press the global catering company over low-pay and staffing challenges. Last month, the B.C. Labour Board issued a cease-and-desist order against Gate Gourmet for using replacement workers during a strike action.
Under the new collective agreement, most workers will be earning approximately $25 an hour or more by next summer, which sets a new standard for airport catering workers at YVR.
“We’re proud of what we achieved during this round of bargaining. Gate Gourmet workers united together to win a contract that allows us to keep up with rising inflation and to make these truly living wage jobs,” said Rolando Gonzalez, a team lead in the kitchen department and bargaining committee member.
The new agreement also secures improvements in health care benefits, improved seniority rights for long-term workers, a quicker path to top wage rates and an increased shoe allowance. The new agreement is in place through July 31, 2025.
For more information, contact: Michelle Travis, mtravis@unitehere.org, 778-960-9785
Vancouver, BC —- Air Canada’s airline catering firm, Gate Gourmet, breached BC’s labour code when the company used replacement workers during a strike action at Vancouver Airport, according to a new ruling by the BC Labour Board. The company double-catered flights for Air Canada at other airports after Gate Gourmet YVR workers launched an overtime ban in protest over wages and working conditions. The workers are represented by UNITE HERE Local 40.
The Vice-Chair of the Labour Relations Board ordered a cease and desist after finding that Gate Gourmet breached Section 68 of the provincial labour code which prohibits use of impermissible replacement workers to perform struck work. Gate Gourmet Canada Inc. had its employees at airports in Alberta and Ontario double-cater flights for Air Canada that would otherwise have been catered out of Vancouver Airport, by striking employees.
The Board found that it was a breach of Section 68 of the Code for Gate Gourmet kitchens outside of BC to double-cater struck work. Going forward during future strike activity, Gate Gourmet cannot respond by double-catering out of other kitchens.
Air Canada’s contracted catering workers are some of the lowest paid workers in the airline industry and have been negotiating for increases that would allow them to keep up with the skyrocketing inflation and rising cost of living.
“This order sends a strong message to Gate Gourmet that they cannot get away with undermining BC’s labor laws. Airline catering staff are prepared to take further action until the company addresses workers’ concerns over cost of living increases and staffing issues,” said Mike Biskar, union negotiator.
UNITE HERE Local 40 is the hospitality workers’ union and represents members in the hotel, food service and airport industries throughout British Columbia. Learn more at UniteHereLocal40.org.
http://www.uniteherelocal40.org/wp-content/uploads/local40logo-300x155.png00Michelle Travishttp://www.uniteherelocal40.org/wp-content/uploads/local40logo-300x155.pngMichelle Travis2022-10-14 10:58:352022-10-14 10:59:08Press Release: Labour Board orders cease and desist against Air Canada’s caterer at YVR Airport for violating striking workers’ rights
UNITE HERE Local 40, BC’s union for hospitality workers, is seeking an entry-level or experienced Contract Enforcement Organizer to work with members on workplace issues. Organizers work with members to build the leadership and solidarity necessary to build a progressive and strong labour union.
UNITE HERE is a progressive labour union, representing more than 270,000 workers in the hotel and food service industries across North America. These industries employ large numbers of women, recent immigrants and people of colour. For more information on UNITE HERE, please visit www.unitehere.org
Innovative organizing campaigns, deep rank-and-file member engagement and leadership development, as well as our strong training program make UNITE HERE an exciting place to create change and build power with workers in the service industry.
UNITE HERE’s goal is to not only organize non-union workers and win campaigns, but also to train effective progressive labour leaders and organizers who can develop creative and strategic campaigns to change the economic balance of power in North America.
Job Requirements: – Commitment to fight for justice and organize the unorganized.
– Commitment to rank and file leadership development .
– Excellent communication and interpersonal skills in order to move workers to take collective action and build power.
– Experience in a unionized environment and with grievances preferred
–Willingness to learn advanced grievance procedure work including but not limited to arbitrations, union negotiations, and Labour Board proceedings.
– Valid driver’s license and own car preferred.
– Previous experience as an organizer in the student, immigrant, LGBT, or environmental movement is valued.
This is a temporary 3 to 6-month position with possible extensions beyond that. Full time and part time options are available.
To apply for the Organizer position, please email your resume and cover letter to Mike Biskar at mbiskar@unitehere40.com.
http://www.uniteherelocal40.org/wp-content/uploads/local40logo-300x155.png00Michelle Travishttp://www.uniteherelocal40.org/wp-content/uploads/local40logo-300x155.pngMichelle Travis2022-09-22 10:16:462022-09-22 10:16:46Job Posting: UNITE HERE Local 40 Temporary Contract Enforcement Organizer
Vancouver, BC — Contracted LNG camp workers, members of UNITE HERE Local 40, held a press conference this morning calling on LNG Canada and JGC Fluor to increase wages for contracted hospitality workers at the LNG site. JGC Fluor recently provided 12% increases to the BC Building Trades to address the skyrocketing cost of living and inflation but did not extend the same increases to hospitality workers. Contracted janitors, housekeepers, front desk, and culinary employees are among the lowest paid workers along the LNG pipeline.
Hundreds of workers from Sitka Lodge, Horizon North Dexterra at LNG, and at Crossroads Lodge recently delivered a petition to JGC Fluor demanding the company behind the multi-billion dollar project provide them the same increases that other LNG workers received. JGC Fluor is the prime contractor for LNG Canada.
Other workers left out of 12% wage increases include Sodexo camp workers, the largest group of contracted hospitality workers at the LNG site. UNITE HERE Local 40 sent a letterto JGC Fluor on behalf of Sodexo workers at Cedar Valley Lodge requesting the same increase.
Neither JGC Fluor or LNG Canada have responded to the workers’ petition or the letter.
“Why are we being treated like we’re second class? We’ve played a critical role during the pandemic making sure the LNG plant runs smoothly and protecting people’s health and safety. LNG Canada/JGC Fluor seems to recognize that workers facing rapid inflation are struggling to support their families but have forgotten those of us who live paycheque to paycheque,” said Bonnie Julien, a contracted janitor at the LNG site.
For more information: contact Mike Biskar, (604) 862-5982, mbiskar@unitehere40.com, or Michelle Travis, (778) 960-9675, mtravis@unitehere.org.
###
UNITE HERE Local 40 is the hospitality workers’ union and represents members in the hotel, food service and airport industries throughout British Columbia. Learn more at UniteHereLocal40.org.
http://www.uniteherelocal40.org/wp-content/uploads/local40logo-300x155.png00Michelle Travishttp://www.uniteherelocal40.org/wp-content/uploads/local40logo-300x155.pngMichelle Travis2022-09-14 10:04:162022-09-22 10:42:41Press Release: More LNG camp workers calling on LNG Canada to deliver 12% wage increases
UNITE HERE Local 40 to hold Press Conference and call on JGC Flour to deliver 12% wage increases to contracted LNG hospitality workers
WHAT: UNITE HERE Local 40 will hold a press conference next Wednesday, September 14, to urge JGC Flour to increase wages for contracted hospitality workers along the LNG project. JGC Flour recently provided 12% increases to the BC Building Trades to address the skyrocketing cost of living and inflation. They did not extend the same increases to contracted janitors, housekeepers, front desk, and culinary employees who are among the lowest paid workers along the LNG pipeline.
Hundreds of workers from Sitka Lodge, Horizon North Dexterra at LNG, and at Crossroads Lodge have signed a petition to JGC Flour demanding the company behind the multi-billion dollar project provide them with the same increases that other LNG workers received. UNITE HERE Local 40 also sent a letter on behalf of Sodexo workers at Cedar Valley Lodge requesting the same increase. Sodexo workers make up the largest group of contracted hospitality workers on site.
WHEN: Wednesday, September 14, at 8:00 AM
WHERE: Outside LNG site front gates (Kitimat, BC)
Media availability with UNITE HERE Local 40 representatives and contracted hospitality workers after the press conference.
For more information: contact Mike Biskar, (604) 862-5982, mbiskar@unitehere40.com, or Michelle Travis, (778) 960-9675, mtravis@unitehere.org.
###
UNITE HERE Local 40 is the hospitality workers’ union and represents members in the hotel, food service and airport industries throughout British Columbia. Learn more at UniteHereLocal40.org.
http://www.uniteherelocal40.org/wp-content/uploads/local40logo-300x155.png00Michelle Travishttp://www.uniteherelocal40.org/wp-content/uploads/local40logo-300x155.pngMichelle Travis2022-09-09 16:19:292022-09-09 16:19:29Media Advisory: Contracted LNG Hospitality Workers to hold Press Conference (Wednesday, Sept. 14, 8:00AM)
Press Release: YVR Airline Catering Workers Ratify Contract with Historic Wage Increases
For Immediate Release
Vancouver, B.C. – UNITE HERE Local 40 members who work for Gate Gourmet at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) have voted 94% “yes” to ratify a new collective agreement that will significantly raise airline catering workers’ pay. The company agreed to provide 12% wage increases to workers in Vancouver to address skyrocketing inflation. The wage boost will also make these among the best paying airline catering jobs at YVR Airport.
Nearly 300 Gate Gourmet workers who prepare and deliver meals to Air Canada and other major airlines are covered by the new three-year agreement. Workers have held escalating job actions, including rallies and an overtime ban, to press the global catering company over low-pay and staffing challenges. Last month, the B.C. Labour Board issued a cease-and-desist order against Gate Gourmet for using replacement workers during a strike action.
Under the new collective agreement, most workers will be earning approximately $25 an hour or more by next summer, which sets a new standard for airport catering workers at YVR.
“We’re proud of what we achieved during this round of bargaining. Gate Gourmet workers united together to win a contract that allows us to keep up with rising inflation and to make these truly living wage jobs,” said Rolando Gonzalez, a team lead in the kitchen department and bargaining committee member.
The new agreement also secures improvements in health care benefits, improved seniority rights for long-term workers, a quicker path to top wage rates and an increased shoe allowance. The new agreement is in place through July 31, 2025.
For more information, contact: Michelle Travis, mtravis@unitehere.org, 778-960-9785
###
Press Release: Labour Board orders cease and desist against Air Canada’s caterer at YVR Airport for violating striking workers’ rights
For Immediate Release
Vancouver, BC —- Air Canada’s airline catering firm, Gate Gourmet, breached BC’s labour code when the company used replacement workers during a strike action at Vancouver Airport, according to a new ruling by the BC Labour Board. The company double-catered flights for Air Canada at other airports after Gate Gourmet YVR workers launched an overtime ban in protest over wages and working conditions. The workers are represented by UNITE HERE Local 40.
The Vice-Chair of the Labour Relations Board ordered a cease and desist after finding that Gate Gourmet breached Section 68 of the provincial labour code which prohibits use of impermissible replacement workers to perform struck work. Gate Gourmet Canada Inc. had its employees at airports in Alberta and Ontario double-cater flights for Air Canada that would otherwise have been catered out of Vancouver Airport, by striking employees.
The Board found that it was a breach of Section 68 of the Code for Gate Gourmet kitchens outside of BC to double-cater struck work. Going forward during future strike activity, Gate Gourmet cannot respond by double-catering out of other kitchens.
Air Canada’s contracted catering workers are some of the lowest paid workers in the airline industry and have been negotiating for increases that would allow them to keep up with the skyrocketing inflation and rising cost of living.
“This order sends a strong message to Gate Gourmet that they cannot get away with undermining BC’s labor laws. Airline catering staff are prepared to take further action until the company addresses workers’ concerns over cost of living increases and staffing issues,” said Mike Biskar, union negotiator.
Contact: Michelle Travis, mtravis@unitehere.org, 778-960-9785
###
UNITE HERE Local 40 is the hospitality workers’ union and represents members in the hotel, food service and airport industries throughout British Columbia. Learn more at UniteHereLocal40.org.
Job Posting: UNITE HERE Local 40 Temporary Contract Enforcement Organizer
UNITE HERE Local 40, BC’s union for hospitality workers, is seeking an entry-level or experienced Contract Enforcement Organizer to work with members on workplace issues. Organizers work with members to build the leadership and solidarity necessary to build a progressive and strong labour union.
UNITE HERE is a progressive labour union, representing more than 270,000 workers in the hotel and food service industries across North America. These industries employ large numbers of women, recent immigrants and people of colour. For more information on UNITE HERE, please visit www.unitehere.org
Innovative organizing campaigns, deep rank-and-file member engagement and leadership development, as well as our strong training program make UNITE HERE an exciting place to create change and build power with workers in the service industry.
UNITE HERE’s goal is to not only organize non-union workers and win campaigns, but also to train effective progressive labour leaders and organizers who can develop creative and strategic campaigns to change the economic balance of power in North America.
Job Requirements:
– Commitment to fight for justice and organize the unorganized.
– Commitment to rank and file leadership development .
– Excellent communication and interpersonal skills in order to move workers to take collective action and build power.
– Experience in a unionized environment and with grievances preferred
–Willingness to learn advanced grievance procedure work including but not limited to arbitrations, union negotiations, and Labour Board proceedings.
– Valid driver’s license and own car preferred.
– Previous experience as an organizer in the student, immigrant, LGBT, or environmental movement is valued.
This is a temporary 3 to 6-month position with possible extensions beyond that. Full time and part time options are available.
To apply for the Organizer position, please email your resume and cover letter to Mike Biskar at mbiskar@unitehere40.com.
Press Release: More LNG camp workers calling on LNG Canada to deliver 12% wage increases
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Vancouver, BC — Contracted LNG camp workers, members of UNITE HERE Local 40, held a press conference this morning calling on LNG Canada and JGC Fluor to increase wages for contracted hospitality workers at the LNG site. JGC Fluor recently provided 12% increases to the BC Building Trades to address the skyrocketing cost of living and inflation but did not extend the same increases to hospitality workers. Contracted janitors, housekeepers, front desk, and culinary employees are among the lowest paid workers along the LNG pipeline.
Hundreds of workers from Sitka Lodge, Horizon North Dexterra at LNG, and at Crossroads Lodge recently delivered a petition to JGC Fluor demanding the company behind the multi-billion dollar project provide them the same increases that other LNG workers received. JGC Fluor is the prime contractor for LNG Canada.
Other workers left out of 12% wage increases include Sodexo camp workers, the largest group of contracted hospitality workers at the LNG site. UNITE HERE Local 40 sent a letter to JGC Fluor on behalf of Sodexo workers at Cedar Valley Lodge requesting the same increase.
Neither JGC Fluor or LNG Canada have responded to the workers’ petition or the letter.
“Why are we being treated like we’re second class? We’ve played a critical role during the pandemic making sure the LNG plant runs smoothly and protecting people’s health and safety. LNG Canada/JGC Fluor seems to recognize that workers facing rapid inflation are struggling to support their families but have forgotten those of us who live paycheque to paycheque,” said Bonnie Julien, a contracted janitor at the LNG site.
For more information: contact Mike Biskar, (604) 862-5982, mbiskar@unitehere40.com, or Michelle Travis, (778) 960-9675, mtravis@unitehere.org.
###
UNITE HERE Local 40 is the hospitality workers’ union and represents members in the hotel, food service and airport industries throughout British Columbia. Learn more at UniteHereLocal40.org.
Media Advisory: Contracted LNG Hospitality Workers to hold Press Conference (Wednesday, Sept. 14, 8:00AM)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
UNITE HERE Local 40 to hold Press Conference and call on JGC Flour to deliver 12% wage increases to contracted LNG hospitality workers
WHAT: UNITE HERE Local 40 will hold a press conference next Wednesday, September 14, to urge JGC Flour to increase wages for contracted hospitality workers along the LNG project. JGC Flour recently provided 12% increases to the BC Building Trades to address the skyrocketing cost of living and inflation. They did not extend the same increases to contracted janitors, housekeepers, front desk, and culinary employees who are among the lowest paid workers along the LNG pipeline.
Hundreds of workers from Sitka Lodge, Horizon North Dexterra at LNG, and at Crossroads Lodge have signed a petition to JGC Flour demanding the company behind the multi-billion dollar project provide them with the same increases that other LNG workers received. UNITE HERE Local 40 also sent a letter on behalf of Sodexo workers at Cedar Valley Lodge requesting the same increase. Sodexo workers make up the largest group of contracted hospitality workers on site.
WHEN: Wednesday, September 14, at 8:00 AM
WHERE: Outside LNG site front gates (Kitimat, BC)
Media availability with UNITE HERE Local 40 representatives and contracted hospitality workers after the press conference.
For more information: contact Mike Biskar, (604) 862-5982, mbiskar@unitehere40.com, or Michelle Travis, (778) 960-9675, mtravis@unitehere.org.
###
UNITE HERE Local 40 is the hospitality workers’ union and represents members in the hotel, food service and airport industries throughout British Columbia. Learn more at UniteHereLocal40.org.