Airport Authority Receives Strike Notice from its Employees

ST. JOHN’S, NL, 2012-09-10 — /travelprnews.com/ — St. John’s International Airport Authority received a 72 hour strike notice at 5:30pm this evening from the Public Service of Canada (PSAC) Local 90916, the union representing Airport Authority maintenance employees, firefighters, snow plow operators and administrative personnel.As of 5am Tuesday, September 11, 2012, the union will be in a legal position to strike.

The Airport Authority was informed earlier today that PSAC received a strike mandate from its members.Negotiations commenced today as planned and will continue into the weekend.

“Even with the receipt of a strike notice from PSAC, we are continuing to negotiate and remain hopeful that a tentative agreement will be reached,” said Keith Collins, President and CEO of St. John’s International Airport Authority.

Airports are considered essential services.In the event of a strike, the Airport Authority’s management team will be focused on maintaining Airport operations as close to normal as possible, with the assistance of the unionized employees who are required to provide essential services.Personnel will be in place to meet all Transport Canada regulations for safety and security.Airline operations will not be impacted by this strike and it is anticipated that there will be minimal disruption to passenger travel.

If a strike does occur, labour action in the form of picketing on the access road to the Airport Terminal Building is anticipated.It is therefore advised that passengers allow additional time to arrive at the Airport.

The Airport Authority is committed to keeping the public informed as developments warrant.

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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