Strike Vote Not Yet Scheduled

Pre-Board Screening officers at Toronto's Pearson and Billy Bishop airports have rejected Garda's final offer regarding negotiations.

"The employees have rejected this unacceptable offer and have authorized the Machinists Union to take strike action" said General Chairperson Barry Barnett. "We have not served strike notice at this time, and, accordingly, we will continue to serve the flying public with our usual professional standards", he added.

Garda is a private company that is a service provider on behalf of the Canadian Air Transportation Security Authority (CATSA), a crown corporation which collects fees from the travelling public to provide pre-board security screening for flights.

"The annual amount of money spent by CATSA comes from the Air Traveler's Security charge. Millions of dollars that are collected are not utilized for security only, and is used for general revenue. The monies being collected should be used to provide security, and security only", said Barnett.

"Hopefully, Garda & CATSA will realize that this offer must be improved. There continues to be more and more pressure on the workers to maintain the high standards of work and trying to provide for their families," said Barnett.

The IAM is among the largest industrial trade unions in North America, representing more than 500,000 active and retired members, and administers more than 5,000 contracts in transportation, woodworking, aerospace, manufacturing, service, health services and public services workers.

(Source: IAM news release)

FMI: www.iamaw.ca