St. John’s International Airport Authority Launches a Strike Website

ST. JOHN’S, NL, Monday, 2012-09-19 — /travelprnews.com/ — St. John’s International Airport Authority released a new website today specifically designed to address questions that arise in relation to the strike and to keep the public informed on the negotiations with PSAC and the present labour disruption.The new website address is www.sjiaanegotiations.com.

“St. John’s International Airport is the transportation gateway to and from Newfoundland and Labrador, and offers an essential service to the Avalon Region and the entire province.In light of this, the Authority’s leadership believe we have a responsibility to the community to provide timely and relevant information on this strike,” said Keith Collins, President and CEO of the St. John’s International Airport Authority.

The website includes information on the collective bargaining timelines, relevant background information, copies of proposals made by both parties, and rationale for proposed changes.All information is accessible to the public and the website will updated as developments warrant.

The collective agreement between St. John’s International Airport Authority and PSAC expired on November 30, 2009.At the time of expiry, a joint union-management committee was developing a new job evaluation plan.PSAC requested, and the Authority agreed, that negotiations be postponed until the joint plan was completed. Consequently, the negotiations on a new collective agreement did not commence until June of 2011. These negotiations broke off on Monday, September 10, 2012 and the employees went on strike as of 5:00am on Tuesday, September 11, 2012.

The employees impacted by this strike include firefighters, airfield maintenance and heavy equipment operators (snow and ice control), heavy equipment mechanics, electricians, building maintenance staff and administrative personnel.

“The Authority would like to thank the public for its understanding over the past week, and we hope that this current PSAC job action can be resolved to the mutual satisfaction of both parties as quickly as possible. Until then, we are committed to keeping the public informed of all relevant developments,” added Collins.

St. John’s International Airport Authority is a private, not-for-profit organization with the mandate to provide the region with a safe, cost-efficient transportation facility that is a catalyst for economic growth.Under the provisions of a long-term Ground Lease with the Federal Government of Canada, the Airport Authority is responsible for the airport’s operations on behalf of the community it serves.

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