Food prep workers at Ottawa airport go on strike

Travellers flying out of the Ottawa airport may want to pack a lunch as several dozen workers who prepare in-flight meals, snacks and beverages are now on strike.

Roughly 50 employees with Gate Gourmet walked off the job at one minute past midnight, according to Teamsters Local Union 647.

Prior to the strike, the union said in a blog post that any labour disruption would mean most flights out of the Ottawa International Airport would depart with out food or beverage service.

Chefs, drivers and other staff had been negotiating for a livable wage with their employer since September, local union president Martin Cerqua told CBC on Saturday.

The strike comes after employees voted 35 to 5 to reject a deal Thursday, the union said.

Airlines affected by the strike include Air Canada, WestJet, Sunwing, Air France and Canada North, the union said, along with private jet service.