MSP food workers announce strike deadline before Thanksgiving rush

Source: MPR News

Regina Medina
St. Paul
November 18, 2025 4:00 AM

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

Read more: https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/11/18/msp-food-workers-strike-deadline-thanksgiving-rush