This Thanksgiving, while millions prepare to reunite with loved ones, airport food workers at Minneapolis–St. Paul International (MSP) are facing an impossible choice: serve travelers during one of the busiest times of the year—or walk off the job to demand the fair contract they’ve been denied for nearly a year.

Over 11 months ago, the contract between hospitality giant HMSHost and its food service workers expired. Since then, workers have asked for basic dignity: wages that can support a family, and health coverage that includes their children. As of today, they’re still waiting. Some, like Victor Arreola, work two jobs and are still struggling to feed their families—even as they serve thousands of travelers daily.

Staffing shortages are so severe that one line cook is often left to do the work of an entire kitchen alone. And yet HMSHost refuses to move quickly on a contract that addresses these conditions. The union, UNITE HERE Local 17, has now set a deadline: if an agreement isn’t reached by 12:01 a.m. on November 24, workers will go on strike.

This deadline is no accident—it’s the start of the Thanksgiving travel surge. A strike would disrupt airport dining across terminals 1 and 2. But let’s be clear: the disruption isn’t the workers’ fault. It’s the result of nearly a year of delay by HMSHost.

If HMSHost truly values customer service and community goodwill, it must act now. Travelers want a smooth journey home—not one complicated by unnecessary corporate stubbornness. The solution is simple: treat workers with fairness and respect.

Sign this petition to demand that HMSHost executives meet MSP food workers' demands before the holiday rush. A just contract means workers can support their families—and we can all travel in peace.

Photo: Regina Medina | MPR News