Media Advisory - Pearson airport layoffs create turmoil and threaten service for passengers with special needs

TORONTO, March 19, 2015 /CNW/ - Unifor is objecting to a move by the Greater Toronto Airport Authority (GTAA) to change providers leading to layoffs of more than 260 workers who service passengers with special needs.

"Unifor was formed to fight back against the abuse of low-wage and precarious workers," said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. "We will do whatever it takes to ensure these workers are treated fairly and aren't thrust into unemployment by the whims of the GTAA."

This month the GTAA opened a tendering process for the contract to assist passengers with special needs. The contract was awarded to Toronto Ground Airport Services (TGAS), who has made no employment commitment to any of the 260 employees working for the contract's previous provider, Servisair.

WHAT:	Information picket
WHEN:	Friday, March 20, 7–9 a.m. and 3:00–6 p.m.
WHERE:	Pearson International Airport (Terminal 3)
WHO:	Unifor airline industry members and allies

Unifor is accusing the GTAA of "contract flipping"—the legal but unethical practice of switching service providers every few years to suppress wages and benefits. When a new contract begins, employees must re-apply for their job and start at the bottom of the wage scale.

Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing more than 305,000 workers. It was formed Labour Day weekend 2013 when the Canadian Auto Workers and the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers unions merged.

SOURCE Unifor

please contact Unifor Communications Representative Ian Boyko at 778-903-6549 (cell) or [email protected]