December 18, 2025 at 9:07 PM
After just a day and a half of bargaining focused on monetary proposals, the company chose to walk away from the table. Despite our good-faith efforts, we remain miles apart on wages, and following our most recent wage proposal, the employer abruptly declared an impasse and terminated negotiations.
Let’s be clear: the company ended bargaining, not the union.
The PASS D266 Bargaining Committee remains united and unwavering. We will not accept anything less than a fair deal for our members. Members have been crystal clear from day one: wages are the top priority, and your bargaining committee is fully aligned with that mandate. We remain ready and available to meet at any time, provided the company is prepared to bargain seriously and in good faith.
As previously communicated, we are now awaiting a determination on Maintenance of Activities, a critically important process that will determine the scope of our strike rights. An application has been filed with the Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB), and we are currently waiting for a hearing date. Unfortunately, the CIRB is experiencing significant delays, and no date has yet been scheduled.
What Is Maintenance of Activities?
Maintenance of Activities refers to the supply of services, operation of facilities or production of goods that are necessary to prevent an immediate and serious danger to the safety or health of the public during a legal work stoppage. The activities that must be maintained are also commonly referred to as “essential services.”
The company is taking an extreme position. It argues that, because of the work you perform, members should have no right to strike at all. Unifor categorically rejects this position and is forcefully asserting that members must retain their right to strike.
This case is precedent-setting. No union has previously argued Maintenance of Activities for an airport screening contractor at the CIRB. The outcome will impact airport screening contractors nationwide, regardless of the union.
Unifor’s National Legal Team is fully engaged and preparing aggressively for this hearing. What is at stake:
- The company’s position: 100% of employees must report to work, and members have no strike rights.
- Unifor’s position: 100% of members must retain the right to strike and to use collective power to secure a fair agreement.
We know this process is frustrating. But make no mistake, this is a fight worth having. We are asking all members to stand strong and show continued solidarity with your bargaining committee as we push for an industry-leading collective agreement that reflects the skill, professionalism, and responsibility carried by Unifor members at PASS working at Calgary International Airport.
We will continue to provide updates as information becomes available. Currently, we do not anticipate a CIRB hearing date before late spring at the earliest. That said, the union remains ready to return to the bargaining table should the company decide to engage in serious, meaningful negotiations. If you have questions, please reach out to a member of your bargaining committee.
A short video explaining the bargaining process, including Maintenance of Activities, is available here:
We also wish all members a Merry Christmas, a safe and happy holiday season, and a strong, united start to 2026.
In Solidarity
Your Unifor 2002 Bargaining Committee
Kelly Wilson – Bargaining Committee Chairperson/District Chairperson
Deonn Anderson – Bargaining Committee Member
Sarah Smith – Bargaining Committee Member
Telly Doikas – Bargaining Committee Member
Harbans Minhas – Bargaining Committee Member
Harold Bateman – Assistant to the Unifor Local 2002 President
Tammy Moore – President, Unifor Local 2002
Joanne Goulet – Unifor National Service Representative