ST. JOHN’S, NL – Members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada’s Union of Canadian Transportation Employees (UCTE) Local 90916 who work at the St. John’s International Airport delivered a 100% mandate in favour of strike action at a meeting Thursday evening.
“The bargaining committee has the full support of the membership,” says UCTE Regional Vice-President Wayne Fagan. “Airport workers are strike-ready.”
Negotiations recently broke off between PSAC and the St. John’s International Airport Authority. Workers have not seen a wage increase in four years and are seeking an economic package that will bring them in line with industry standards at comparable international airports. The union has been without a collective agreement since 2009. The employer has tabled significant concessions.
“The bargaining committee is eager to reach a fair and equitable agreement and remains willing to negotiate,” says Fagan.
The parties will continue to work with a mediator throughout the weekend. In the event that an agreement is not reached, the union will give the airport the 72 hours notice required under federal law before it takes strike action. Workers could be on the picket line as early as next week.
The 90 members of UCTE local 90916 provide operational and maintenance services, including runway clearing, building and equipment upkeep, and fire, security and emergency services.
These employees are proud members of the Union of Canadian Transportation Employees, a component of the Public Service Alliance of Canada, a national union with over 180,000 members.
Contact Lesley Thompson, Communications Officer, PSAC, 902-471-6201