Members of the Union of Canadian Transportation Employees (UCTE) Local 50600 have been officially on strike as of 3 a.m.  Following seven days of mediated talks, parties were unable to reach an agreement.  Outstanding issues include but are not limited to contracting out and wage increases.

Approximately 150 employees—including duty managers, administrative workers, various tradespersons, IT workers, airfield maintenance, and labourers—are represented by the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) and the UCTE. The workers have been without a contract since June 30, 2016 and in negotiations since October 2016.

Teresa Eschuk, UCTE’s Regional Executive Vice-President-Prairies made the following statement: “These members deserve better than to crash and burn.  They are the front-line workers who ensure the success of this airport.  The airport authority needs to treat them with the same respect that it demands.”

Marianne Hladun, Regional Executive Vice-President of PSAC’s Prairies Region advises of the next steps: “the PSAC is one of Canada’s largest unions and we represent many members who are employed by Airport Authorities.  We are not new at this and we will ensure that our members from coast to coast to coast pledge their support to these members who are fighting for a reasonable deal.”