January 15, 2019 at 12:55 PM
Swissport Montreal's failure to negotiate a fair and equitable contract for its members may result in a strike, and may impact the companies they service.
During a series of meetings that took place throughout the day on Monday, Unifor Local 2002 members voted to give the bargaining committee a strike mandate of 97%.
"After a disappointing set of talks with the Employer, we were left with no other option, but to look to our members for getting a strike mandate," said Euila Leonard, Unifor Local 2002 President. "If this Employer will not sit across from us at the bargaining table, then we are left with strike action as the alternative."
Negotiations between Swissport Montreal and Unifor began in July 2018 and have been assisted by a Conciliator. After more than 15 sets of meetings, very little progress has been made at the bargaining table, mostly due to Company's lack of interest to discuss details. Most recently, Swissport cancelled two of the five planned meetings with Unifor.
Swissport is a subcontractor who currently employs more than 400 workers that service multiple airlines at the Pierre-Elliot-Trudeau Airport in Montreal.
"With this very strong mandate, we hope that the employer will decide to negotiate in good faith and respect our members," said Josée Genois, Assistant to the Local President.
The Bargaining Committee would like to thank the members who took the time to attend these important meetings and vote. Please ensure that you have subscribed to Unifor 2002's e-news service at unifor2002.org
In solidarity,
Your Bargaining Committee
Nadia Maftah, Bargaining Committee Chairperson
Gace Durso, Bargaining Committee Representative
Mohamed El-Messiry, Bargaining Committee Representative
Patricia Pizzoferrato, Bargaining Committee Representative
Euila Leonard, Unifor Local 2002 President
Josée Genois, Assistant to the Local President
Marcel Rondeau, Unifor National Staff representative
For more information, please contact:
Josée Genois, Assistant to the Local President
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