These Airlines May Not Have In-Flight Meals Due to Truck Driver Strike

A disagreement over new rota arrangements by truck drivers who supply in-flight caterer Alpha LSG at LHR is set to result in strike action. This, in turn, may leave long-haul passengers at the facility without in-flight food and drink. The action is set to take place between May 22nd and May 26th.

A disagreement over rosters and rotas by truck drivers could see long-haul passengers at London’s Heathrow Airport (LHR) going without in-flight meals and drinks as well as duty-free products, The Evening Standard reports. The outlet states that over 80 drivers, who supply comestibles for in-flight caterer Alpha LSG, are planning on striking from May 22nd through to May 26th.

It is reported that Air Canada, Etihad and American Airlines (AA) will all be impacted by these strikes and consequently, will have to make alternative plans to fulfill their in-flight catering needs.

Speaking of the impetus behind the proposed industrial action, Jayesh Mistry, a regional officer with Unite, one of the UK’s biggest trade unions, said, “The new rosters are taking a heavy toll on the workers’ well-being. A strike will cause major disruption to dozens of long haul airlines.”

Offering their comments, a spokesperson for Alpha LSG said, “The disagreement revolves around the introduction of a blended six-days on/two-days off and five-days on/three-days off working roster for all Alpha LSG’s drivers at London-Heathrow. New roster patterns are required to meet the operational needs of our current business and are based on flight schedules.”

Seeking to offer reassurance to any passengers impacted by the action, a spokesperson for LHR stated, “Heathrow has plans in place to provide additional assistance to passengers who may be impacted by this strike between the airlines, their colleagues and contractors. We will be working with airlines to ensure adequate contingency plans are in place.”

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