September 29, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Contract talks between Unifor and Paladin Airport Security Services (PASS) have reached an impasse, potentially setting the stage for a dispute that could threaten air travel for thousands of passengers moving through Calgary International Airport in the coming months.
As a result of the employer’s indecision and lack of respect for the collective bargaining process, Unifor has filed for conciliation with the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS). This is the second time in less than six months that Unifor has had to apply for conciliation while negotiating with this employer.
"Unifor did not come to the bargaining table looking for a dispute – we came to get a deal for our hardworking members," said Unifor National President Lana Payne.
"The employer’s refusal to provide sufficient bargaining dates and make a concerted effort to reach a tentative agreement, while also demanding concessions, has left us with no other options. If PASS is not willing to bargaining in good faith, they are forcing this dispute onto its workers and the traveling public."
Unifor Local 2002 represents more than 1,000 members who work at PASS in Calgary as airport screening officers, training specialists and team leaders.
Unifor has done everything possible to bring this employer to the table in a timely manner. The union filed official notice to bargain in January 2025 and applied for conciliation in March following the employer’s failure to provide bargaining dates. Since this first application, the FMCS ordered the parties to come to the table in mid-May to initiate talks. Unfortunately, PASS’ negotiating team did not take this direction seriously and has since continued to delay discussions, ultimately postponing a new contract.
"These contract negotiations were set in motion to obtain a respectful deal for our PASS members in Calgary," said Unifor Local 2002 President, Tammy Moore.
"It’s disappointing that management does not respect its workers enough to come to the table. Unifor's bargaining team has been attempting to secure relevant meeting dates, but has continued to receive pushback and delays which has ultimately created this impasse."
Unifor remains ready and willing to negotiate to reach a tentative agreement for the members at Calgary International Airport and avoid any travel disruption for the public.
This is not the first time that Unifor and PASS have been in a public dispute with one another. In July 2024, Unifor held a rally at Calgary International Airport that spotlighted the company’s refusal to provide bathroom breaks and water to workers. Access to water and sanitation is recognized as basic human rights and fundamental to everyone’s health and dignity.
Unifor is Canada’s largest union in the private sector, representing 320,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.
For more information, please contact: Harold Bateman, Assistant to the Local President
25-09-29 Talks break off with Paladin EN.txt