March 19, 2025 at 5:30 PM
We would like to provide an update on the negotiations process between Unifor and Paladin Airport Security Services (PASS).
Over the past several months, your Unifor Bargaining Committee has been engaged in ongoing discussions with the employer on your behalf. The purpose of these meetings is to negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement that is fair and equitable, and will provide you with improvements to your working conditions and monetary compensation.
However, despite our continued efforts to meet face-to-face and build an improved contract for our dedicated members, it is clear that PASS management has refused to even begin bargaining in good faith. Unifor has offered numerous dates to formally open negotiations with the employer. Our attempt to obtain bargaining dates has been met with unwarranted excuses and a total of five dates that do not even commence until May 2025.
As a result of the employer’s indecision, their lack of respect for the collective bargaining process, and their lack of respect for this bargaining unit, Unifor has been given no other choice but to file for conciliation with the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS).
WHAT IS CONCILIATION?
When negotiations cannot proceed any further, Conciliation is a necessary step to bring accountability to the bargaining process. It allows for the appointment of a neutral conciliator to help bridge the gap between the union (Unifor and its Local 2002) and the employer (Paladin Airport Security Services). This decision was not taken lightly, but given the employer's unwillingness to engage justly in negotiations, we believe it was necessary to protect your rights and interests at the bargaining table.
Outline of the Conciliation process
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Unifor files a Notice of Dispute to the Federal Minister of Labour
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Minister will appoint a Federal Conciliation Officer within 15 days.
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The Conciliator will meet with the Union and Employer over a 60-day period to facilitate negotiations.
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The parties may agree to extend the conciliation period if negotiations are progressing.
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The conciliator files a report to the Federal Minister of Labour once the conciliation period is complete.
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The parties enter a 21-day "cooling off" and mediation period.
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At the end of the 21 days if no agreement has been reached the Mediator will file an additional report with the Minister of Labour
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While in the conciliation and the "cooling off" mediation period, the Company may not lock out employees and the Union may not take strike action. Strike action is only ever taken as a very last resort and only after conditions (such as a strike vote and 72 hours advance notice) are met.
For more information on the conciliation process, please click here.
NEXT STEPS
We assure you that our commitment to securing a fair and equitable agreement remains our top priority. Your Unifor Bargaining Committee is dedicated to advocating for your rights and interests during this negotiation process. As we move forward with the conciliation process, we will keep you informed about any further developments. Your support and solidarity are vital during this time, and we appreciate your understanding as we work diligently to achieve the best possible outcome for everyone.
Members of the Unifor team remain available to meet and are committed to securing a contract that reflects your hard work and contributions.
In Solidarity,
Your Unifor 2002 Bargaining Committee
Kelly Wilson – Bargaining Committee Chairperson/District Chairperson D266
Deonn Anderson – Bargaining Committee Member
Harbans Minhas – Bargaining Committee Member
Sarah Smith – Bargaining Committee Member
Telly Doikas – Bargaining Committee Member
Harold Bateman – Assistant to the Unifor Local 2002 President
Tammy Moore – President, Unifor Local 2002
Joanne Goulet – Unifor National Staff Representative
25-03-19 PASS - Unifor files for Conciliation EN.txt