Majority of Winnipeg airport workers vote to take strike action

Talks currently in mediation: Union

Majority of Winnipeg airport workers vote to take strike action
About 150 employees, including duty managers, administrative workers, various tradespersons, IT workers, airfield maintenance, and labourers are represented by PSAC and UCTE. GOOGLE STREET VIEW

Unionized workers employed by the Winnipeg Airports Authority (WAA) sent a clear message to their employer July 17, voting in favour of taking strike action should mediation talks break down.

Several meetings were held to allow Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) and Union of Canadian Transportation Employees (UCTE) union members to vote to take strike action as early as midnight on July 22, if an agreement can't be reached. That deadline can be extended, as needed, if talks remain productive, said the union.

The two sides are currently in last-ditch mediation talks with the assistance of a federally appointed mediator. While there are numerous issues still to be resolved, the clear priority is putting an end to contracting out, according to PSAC.

"The vote result once again proves our members' commitment to stop this employer's practice of contracting out and to achieve a fair collective agreement," said Marianne Hladun, regional executive vice-president, PSAC Prairies.

About 150 employees, including duty managers, administrative workers, various tradespersons, IT workers, airfield maintenance, and labourers are represented by PSAC and UCTE.

"Members sent a strong message to the WAA CEO with this vote: They want to be treated with respect and honesty," said Teresa Eschuk, regional vice-president, UCTE Prairies and North. "We're hoping we can come to a fair agreement this week, but are prepared to hit the picket line if we need to."

PSAC represents more than 170,000 workers across Canada, including nearly 8,000 in Manitoba and 150 employees at the Winnipeg Airports Authority. UCTE is a component of PSAC, which represents workers in both the public sector, Transport Canada, Canadian Coast Guard, Parks Canada and the private sector airports and NAV Canada.

 

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