Gate Gourmet YVR Workers Vote in favour to Ratify Deal, Becoming Highest Paid In-Flight Catering Crew in Canada

Richmond, BC – Gate Gourmet workers at Vancouver International Airport (YVR), represented by UNITE HERE Local 40, have overwhelmingly ratified a groundbreaking new contract.

The nearly 450 workers will see their wages rise by 14% by July 2028, marking one of the most significant gains for any in-flight catering workers in Canada. By the end of the contract, a Gate Gourmet worker will earn an average of $30 – $34 per hour, reflecting the essential nature of their work. Inflight catering workers prepare, pack and deliver food and beverages to aircraft in a high-pressure environment with tight turnaround times between flights.

“This contract is the result of workers standing strong together. We’re proud to have won raises that actually keep up with inflation and move these jobs closer to a real living wage. This round of bargaining was respectful and productive, and we’re especially proud that we reached this deal before the current contract expires in July,” said Surdiner Grewal, a transportation coordinator.

The new union contract also includes better dental coverage for workers and their families and increased pension contributions.

Gate Gourmet is one of the world’s largest independent providers of airline catering services, serving airport locations across the globe, including Vancouver International Airport, Toronto Pearson Airport and Calgary International Airport.

UNITE HERE Local 40 represents hospitality workers including hotels, airports, camp service, and food service workers across the province, and has recently secured major gains for workers in all of these areas.

Contact: Rifat Islam, [email protected], 604-619-0798