Workers at YVR ready to strike

VANCOUVER, Aug. 12, 2013 /CNW/ - A possible strike could cause delays for travelers arriving or departing from Vancouver Airport in the near future, as workers represented by the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC)/Union of Canadian Transportation Employees (UCTE) have voted overwhelmingly in favour of job action.

"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."

A strike could take place as soon as the Labour Day long weekend.

Approximately 300 members of PSAC/UCTE Local 20221 employed by the Airport Authority provide key services such as emergency response, international arrivals customer care, runway maintenance, airfield & approach lighting, passenger loading operations, maintenance and administrative services at the airport.

Key bargaining issues include an option to work flexible hours and protection from contracting out.

"We felt we had no choice but to take a strike vote." says 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 sums up.

SOURCE: Public Service Alliance of Canada

Patrick Bragg, PSAC Communications, [phone]