If UNITE-HERE makes good on its threat to strike American, Delta, and United Airlines, it could create havoc throughout the U.S. air transportation system.
Over the past week, airline catering workers represented by UNITE-HERE have taken strike authorization votes in Boston, Dallas, Detroit, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, New York, Orlando, Philadelphia, Seattle, San Francisco, Tampa, and Washington, D.C. and the results were “unanimous or nearly unanimous in each city,” according to a union press release.
The catering workers are employed by LSG Sky Chefs and Gate Gourmet, which provide food and beverage service for American, Delta, and United Airlines at airports across the country.
Eight more cities will take strike votes over the next week beginning on Monday, June 17, the union stated.
The strike votes do not mean a strike is imminent, as the negotiations are under the auspices of the National Mediation Board, which can block unions’ right to strike.
“We hope the strength of these votes sends a clear message to the industry that job conditions must change, and are a clear indication that UNITE HERE will strive by all means necessary under law to make one job enough for airline catering workers,” said D. Taylor, International President of UNITE HERE.
