Members of Local 20221 working as fuellers at Vancouver Airport gave their bargaining team an overwhelming strike mandate at a vote held in early February. Today they are gathering to take strike training and discuss next steps in their fight for a fair collective agreement.

Throughout the pandemic, frontline Swissport fuellers went above and beyond to ensure passenger and cargo kept moving at YVR. They deserve a fair deal at the bargaining table. After six months of negotiations, Swissport is still offering a minimal wage increase – all while inflation has skyrocketed and the Lower Mainland continues to be one of Canada’s most expensive places to live.

The bargaining team recognizes that the aviation industry has been hit hard as a result of the pandemic, however the employer can’t try to rebuild their profits on the back of their workers.

The ball is now in Swissport’s court: they manage the refuelling of almost all passenger and cargo traffic. Job action will have a significant impact on operations at the airport.

The team is prepared to work with a federal mediator to come a fair agreement, but members are also getting ready to take strike action if the employer doesn’t come back to the table with a fair offer.

There are approximately 50 members of PSAC-UCTE Local 20221 working at Swissport Canada, refueling aircraft and providing associated services at YVR. They have been without a contract since October 2021.