School catering companies have been struggling since the start of the Autonomous Education Federation (FAE) strike in several regions of Quebec.
Astronomical losses of income and sudden layoffs have characterized their daily lives in the last five weeks. This is the reality of the owners of Midibouffe, Maria Perrotta and Joe Magri, who have 30 schools in Laval and the North Shore as clients.
“We have been forgotten,” says Joe Magri with annoyance. They don’t think of us in the portrait of the strike.”
“Our purpose is to serve meals to elementary school children,” adds Maria Perrotta. The impact of this strike is much greater than we can imagine.”
Those who purchased their business in early 2023 were forced to lay off their 14 employees.
“It’s instantaneous,” says Maria Perrotta. If we don’t have meals to serve, I can’t keep my employees. It hurt us so much.
“It’s difficult financially, but also morally.”
On a daily basis, when their kitchen is running at full capacity, Midibouffe produces thousands of meals for their customers. This is a significant shortfall in their business budget.
“If this continues, we will no longer be able to do so,” says Mr. Magri.
Survive thanks to Ontario
The Mazzola company, which has been in the field for 30 years in the Gatineau and Ottawa region, is operating at 40% of its capacity. On its client list, it has 19 Quebec schools which are closed.
“Even though we serve 28 schools in Ontario, our turnover has dropped by 60%,” says owner Helena Mazzola. Despite everything, we kept our 25 employees for fear of losing them to another company.”
The losses incurred due to the FAE strike are not similar to those of the pandemic.
“During the pandemic, the government helped us,” explains M.me Mazzola. He gave us a percentage of the salaries, it saved our lives.
“For the strike, it’s not the same thing. We will not be able to sustain this for several more weeks. It’s the same for children. It would be criminal.”
What about poor children?
Mme Mazzola and his family have a foundation that allows around a hundred underprivileged children to have a nutritious lunch during school days.
“It’s the only good food they eat in a day,” she laments. The children no longer have access to this meal because they are not at school.
“Several parents thanked me because in the evening, they gave their children hot dogs and chips. What’s happening to them worries me a lot.”
The caterers we spoke to are walking on eggshells. They do not want to take a position in the conflict. Even if they have the management’s agreement to go and check the contents of their fridges and freezers, they are hesitant to enter the schools.
In the meantime, they are crossing their fingers for a quick resolution to the strike so they can be back on schedule in January.