The union representing the employees confirmed that some flights may depart from Toronto Pearson International Airport with "less food or no food" after workers who prepare in-flight meals walked off the job on Tuesday.

The Local 647 Teamsters Union, representing over 800 workers at the airline catering company Gate Gourmet, stated that members began the strike at 12:01 AM on Tuesday after rejecting the company's final offer.

Martin Circo, the chief union negotiator and president of Local 647, said in a written statement, “Our members accepted a wage freeze during the pandemic to help keep this company afloat, and now their managers are boasting about how profitable their operations are at Pearson, while proposing pay increases of up to 89 cents an hour.”

Workers were seen on the picket line outside Gate Gourmet on East Britannia Road in Mississauga on Tuesday morning.

In a statement issued on Monday, the union said that the labor dispute would be "extremely damaging," noting that Air Canada would be the most affected by the strike.

Air Canada stated that it has implemented contingency plans to mitigate the impact of the strike.

In a statement to CP24, the airline said it does not expect "any impact" on international flights but some adjustments will be made to food and beverage service on certain North American flights departing from Toronto.

Air Canada mentioned that in some cases on shorter routes, adjustments will also need to be made to flights returning to Toronto from other cities.

The company added that short flights under two hours are "the most affected," and customers will be "directly" notified of any changes to food and beverage service.

For flights longer than two hours within North America, hot meals will be provided to customers in premium class, business class, and premium economy, but with a reduced menu, pre-ordering will be suspended, and special meal offerings will be limited to kosher meals.

Air Canada stated, "We advise passengers with dietary restrictions to plan ahead."

In economy class, snack and beverage service will be provided with Air Canada Bistro items and alcoholic beverages available for purchase.

For flights under two hours within North America, hot meals will not be served in business class, and service will be adjusted to include a "snack basket" and water service, while in economy class, passengers will be provided with a packaged snack and water.

The union noted that other airlines affected by the strike include United Airlines, Delta Airlines, TAP Air Portugal, Air India, Aero Mexico, Scandinavian Airlines SAS, Jet Lines, and WestJet.

Passengers may face "inconsistent" offerings of food or beverages.

WestJet stated that it has "proactively prepared contingency plans" to ensure supplies are available on board flights, although some passengers may experience "inconsistent" food and beverage offerings. The company added that where possible, it will "double service" flights from alternative destinations with stops in Toronto.

A statement from WestJet clarified, "Guests eligible for onboard meals, including those in premium cabins and all guests traveling on transatlantic flights, will receive either an alternate option or a food and beverage voucher to use at the terminal before departure."

"Additionally, WestJet advises guests traveling to and from Toronto to plan ahead and bring snacks and/or additional beverages for their journey. We sincerely apologize to all affected guests and appreciate their ongoing patience and understanding as the situation evolves."

In a statement issued on Monday, Gate Gourmet said that operations across Canada and the world "have not been affected."

The statement read, "Gate Gourmet Canada encourages our valued employees to vote in favor of the final offer (made based on the union's request) which we believe meets their stated desires regarding wages, benefits, and working conditions in the unit – including a 12% wage increase over three years."

It added, "In our operations in Toronto, we have implemented contingency plans with our airline customers to minimize any impact on them and their passengers."