Unifor files for conciliation with Swissport in Toronto

Minister has 15 days to appoint officer: Union

Unifor files for conciliation with Swissport in Toronto
The Swissport Toronto agreement expired on Jan. 30, 2018, and bargaining began in February, said the union. GOOGLE STREET VIEW

After reaching an impasse with Swissport during bargaining for more than 550 above-the-wing workers at Pearson Airport in Toronto, Unifor, Local 2002 has applied for a federal conciliator on June 6, to intervene with bargaining talks.

“Swissport has proven that they are not motivated to reach a new agreement,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor national president. “But they are mistaken if they think that our members can be disrespected.”

Progress has been made on non-monetary items but the company refuses to make serious wage proposals, according to the bargaining committee at Unifor, Local 2002.

The Swissport Toronto agreement expired on Jan. 30, 2018, and bargaining began in February, said the union.

The federal Minister of Labour has 15 days to appoint a conciliation officer who will work with Unifor and Swissport over a 60-day period to facilitate negotiations. The parties may agree to extend the conciliation period if negotiations are progressing. This is followed by a 21-day mediation period after which a legal strike or lockout may occur, said Unifor.

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