An arbitration award restores our Local 60605 firefighter members at Moncton airport to their schedules.
The grievance, filed in 2022, arose from the employer, Greater Moncton Airport Authority, changing firefighters’ schedules from 18-hour shifts to 12-hour shifts. UCTE and the employer submitted evidence and submissions in July 2024.
The new schedule resulted in more days worked and more travel time for members. It also changed the parameters for overtime. UCTE had counter-proposed different scheduling changes that had been arrived at in consultation with the members. While the union was still pursuing continued open dialogue, the employer moved ahead with the change that had not been agreed to.
The grievance asserted that the unilateral change violated several collective agreement articles and the Canada Labour Code.
The Arbitrator found that the change, in the absence of written agreement between the employer and UCTE, violated the Canada Labour Code. The affected members will return to their 18-hour shifts until UCTE and the employer reach agreement on any change to hours of work.
Congratulations to the affected members. When we stand up for our rights and negotiated working conditions, we can win!