US: More than 11K airline food workers authorise strike for better wages, healthcare

A union representing more than 11,000 airline food workers in 28 cities across the US says its members have authorised a strike. The workers are seeking better wages and improved healthcare as the “airline industry booms.” UNITE HERE, which represents 300,000 hospitality workers in North America, reported that the vote to authorise the strike was the largest ever within the airline catering industry. Workers involved are employed by LSG Sky Chefs and Gate Gourmet, and serve major airlines such as American, Delta and United, among others. The union says this vote to authorise the strike comes after talks for a new contract with Sky Chefs and Gate Gourmet broke down. UNITE claims that most employees make less than US$15 per hour and struggle to pay the high healthcare premiums. <br/>