Possible spring break disruptions for YVR as food service workers vote to strike

Major disruptions could be felt by travellers at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) over the next couple of weeks, as food service workers at the airport voted in favour of strike action Thursday.

UNITE HERE Local 40, the union which represents food services workers at YVR, says 85 per cent of its members voted in favour of striking as negotiations with employer SSP Canada Food Services have broken down.

“After months of bargaining, over 200 low-paid SSP workers could walk off the job in their fight to earn Metro Vancouver’s living wage,” the union said in a statement Friday.

“Recent Union data shows the average food service wage at the world-class airport to be only $18.27 – well below Metro Vancouver’s living wage of $25.68. Meanwhile, YVR Airport generated $492 million in 2022 and is on track to exceed that figure in 2023,” the union claimed.

“In a survey of YVR food service workers conducted last month by the Union, 89% are struggling to keep up with bills or housing costs. 92% of these workers have had to cut back on other expenses to get by each month including nearly 40% stating they are buying less fresh food, and 52% who are not able to support family members as they have previously.”

More than 1.1 million passengers are expected to flow through the airport over spring break and Easter weekend, the airport said Wednesday, with the possible strike coming at one of the busiest times of the year.

“The workers serve travelers at dozens of food outlets located in the airport’s domestic and international terminals. Job actions would disrupt daily airport operations as the spring break and Easter weekend rush approaches,” the union shared.

Speaking with CityNews, union representative Sharan Pawa explained the food service workers serve travellers in both the domestic and international terminals.

“They’re primarily a workforce of women and immigrants, and they see the wage disparity that happens at the airport, and they’re fighting for a $25 living wage so they can keep up with the rising cost of living and support their families here.”

Picket lines could be erected anytime after workers issue a 72-hour strike notice, however, Pawa says it will be up to the workers to decide when they want to issue the notice.

“We’ll keep everyone updated on that issue, but as of right now, we want the employer to get back to the bargaining table,” she added.

“We do urge travellers to be aware that this is now a major dispute that is happening at YVR airport.”

In a statement to CityNews, YVR shared that it is aware SSP workers have voted in favour of the strike action.

“YVR is not a party to the negotiations between SPP Canada Food Services and Unite Here Local 40. … We hope that the parties are able to reach a mutually beneficial agreement,” the airport said.

–With files from Cole Schisler