MSP food workers announce strike deadline

Hospitality workers at Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport have set a Nov. 24 strike deadline that could affect food service during the Thanksgiving travel rush.

Speaking at a rally at MSP Monday, union members said their contract with HMSHost expired last December, and the parties have been negotiating for 11 months. 

UNITE HERE Local 17 President Christa Sarrack said the union is pushing for higher wages and employer contributions to dependent health coverage.

“They contribute only to single coverage for the workers,” she said. “We're pushing to have a percentage paid towards the dependent coverage and making the dependent coverage actually affordable for the workers.”

UNITE HERE Local 17 member Victor Arreola talks about his experiences working for Bottle Rocket, operated by HMSHost. He said he and his co-workers need higher wages. Seen Monday at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.

Regina Medina | MPR News

Line cook Victor Arreola said staffing is so thin he's often the only cook working. “I never stop moving. And this is how it looks for me nearly every day and every week, we needed a significant wage increase.” Even with two jobs, he says he still struggles to support his four children.

MPR News has reached out to HMSHost but the company has not responded.

Sheigh Freeberg, secretary-treasurer for the union, says the deadline is meant to keep talks moving.

“We are here today to announce a deadline to either reach an agreement or for workers to walk off the job. If we do not come to an agreement by 12:01 a.m. Nov. 24, HMS Host workers at MSP terminal one and two will go on strike. It is time for our members to get what they deserve, so that all of us can get back to focusing on the guests.”