According to a source close to the matter but not authorized to speak, a long-term deal was reached. The parties should be announcing it soon. It is understood that the final issues involved health care, and that Gate Gourmet agreed to contribute to a union-run health care plan.
While Gate Gourmet – originally Swiss Air catering, and owned by Singapore’s state investment fund and Singaporean private equity, which acquired it from China’s HNA Group in 2019 – isn’t the only caterer, other companies wouldn’t be able to pick up across-the-board slack.
Airlines were preparing not to have meal service or even beverage service, to double cater out of stations where they stock their own supplies commissary-style, and to find ways to meet minimum regulated standards for long delays without assistance. All of this gets avoided.
Update: News is confirmed by Gate Gourmet now. According to Jens Kuhlen, president of gategroup North America,
"For several years, gategourmet has been negotiating in good faith with our union in an effort to reach a labor agreement that recognizes our valued employees. We are grateful to our employees for their hard work to support the business, our customers and airline passengers. We look forward to a renewed partnership and long-term stability under this agreement."
Contract language still must be finalized before it’s sent out to workers for a ratification vote.
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