A possible strike could cause headaches and delays for travellers at Vancouver International Airport, YVR, after workers represented by the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC)/Union of Canadian Transportation Employees (UCTE) voted overwhelmingly in favour of job action.
About 300 members employed by the Airport Authority provide services such as emergency response, international arrivals customer care, runway maintenance, airfield & approach lighting, passenger loading operations, maintenance and administrative services.
A strike could take place as early as Labour Day long weekend.
“Workers at the airport voted 83 percent in favour of strike action last week.” said Bob Jackson, PSAC Regional Executive Vice President for BC, “PSAC members are united behind their Bargaining Team and prepared to walk the picket line if necessary.”
Among the bargaining issues are an option to work flexible hours and protection from contracting out.
“We felt we had no choice but to take a strike vote.” said Dave Clark, Regional Vice-President of the UCTE, a Component of the PSAC, “YVR says they’re one of BC’s top employers, but are refusing to discuss our demands around work-life balance and job security. They also want to weaken the apprenticeship provisions in our Collective Agreement and create a two-tier wage system by creating a new class of ‘seasonal’ workers.”
“We’re prepared to strike if our key issues aren’t dealt with. The next move is up to the employer.” Clark added.
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