Unifor advocates for Made-in-Canada transport system

Unifor advocates for Made-in-Canada transport system

July 5, 2016 at 11:18 AM

Air transportation and privatization have become a hot topic of late with the release of the controversial Canada Transportation Act Review.  The “Emerson Report” has been met with criticism and many airport authorities are backing away from supporting a fully privatized system.
 
During the initial review process in 2015, Unifor made it clear that airport authorities must be mandated to balance “normal corporate governance practices” with the goals of providing decent employment and facilitating effective and mutually productive labour relations.
 
Unifor’s position includes support for a $15 minimum wage at airports as well as stable and respectful working conditions and employment practices that do not undermine a worker’s ability to earn a living or their right to collective bargaining. Contract flipping and other precarious work practices have a negative effect on productivity, safety and efficiency at airports.
 
Unifor’s vision is to create a Made-in-Canada transportation system that is the most efficient, accessible, green and safe in the world. We need the combined energy and talents of all stakeholders to reach this goal. 
 
Unifor will be participating in the Minister of Transport’s ongoing consultation as it continues through the summer and fall. Our union will continue to advocate for our belief that privatization would not result in an improved system, and for the government to commit airport authorities to focus on meeting the needs of all stakeholders, including airport workers across the country.