By Mallory Moench Nov. 25, 2019
Hundreds of airline catering workers at San Francisco International Airport plan to demonstrate Tuesday as they push for better pay and benefits — spotlighting the ever-present debate about what makes for a living wage in the Bay Area.
The protest, planned for late afternoon outside the departures level of Terminal 2, comes during one of the busiest travel weeks of the year. It’s a prelude to a possible strike by workers at two catering companies, Gate Gourmet and LSG Sky Chefs.
About 1,500 workers voted in June to strike, but because their jobs are in transportation, they need permission from the National Mediation Board, a federal agency, to strike. If they do, flights could theoretically leave without food and drinks, although representatives for United Airlines, SFO’s largest carrier, and American Airlines said they have backup plans in place.