The Union of Canadian Transportation Employees (UCTE) qualifies as
"outrageous and irresponsible" the lockout by Servisair at Vancouver
International Airport

OTTAWA, July 19 /CNW Telbec/ - The Union of Canadian Transportation Employees (UCTE) National President Christine Collins was shocked and outraged by the bad faith exhibited by Servisair as they locked out the Refueling Supervisors of Local 20221 at Vancouver International Airport.

According to the President, "UCTE members were negotiating in good faith with the conciliation officer when they were advised of the lockout by its onsite workers. It's obvious that Servisair is using intimidation tactics against the newly unionized workers of this local as they attempt to negotiate their first collective agreement. They tried similar tactics against the refueling workers this spring but UCTE was able to negotiate a contract without a disruption of services."

"It is apparent that Servisair is looking out for its own interest and does not consider the safety of the travelling public or the disruption of flights an issue," continued the President. During the lockout, Servisair will replace well-trained and experienced Vancouver International Airport refueling supervisors with untested replacement workers.

"It's clear that this multinational, Paris-based company does not care how this affects the reputation of the Vancouver International Airport. This lockout will cause major disruption of complicated fueling services for hundreds of flights a day in Vancouver," concluded Collins. Servisair provides fuel for Air Canada, West Jet and other airlines in Vancouver and at more than 128 other locations worldwide.

"This outrageous and irresponsible behaviour cannot go unchallenged, concluded Collins. Members of the Local are meeting today to discuss their next steps and the Union of Canadian Transportation Employees will stand with their members in picketing and actions."

The Union of Canadian Transportation Employees (UCTE) is a Component of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC). UCTE represents over 8 000 members working at Transport Canada, the Transportation Safety Board, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (Canadian Coast Guard), airports, private employers, NAV Canada and the Parks Canada Agency.

For further information: Madeleine Faucher, Communications and Research Officer, UCTE, [phone] ext. 2993, [phone] cell, [email protected]; Stephen Dunsmore, Regional Vice-President: Pacific, UCTE, [phone]; Christine Collins, National President, UCTE, [phone]