For immediate release
26 August, 2021
Toronto, ON – This week, the IAM received the arbitrated settlement to finalize the year-long negotiations with GardaWorld for pre-board screeners at Toronto Pearson (YYZ) and Billy Bishop Airport (YTZ)
“When we started out negotiations, it was at the height of the pandemic, prior to vaccinations being readily available and with the industry in turmoil,” said Keith Aiken, IAM Air Transportation Coordinator for Canada. “Bargaining through this pandemic has been very difficult as air transportation has been devastated by COVID-19. Our Negotiations Team stuck together and focused on improving the working conditions of the screening officers. I’d like to thank the Committee for their hard work and fight throughout this difficult process.”
As part of the three-year collective bargaining agreement, the IAM was able to attain, among other things, improved layoff and recall language, improved shift trade language, an increase to pension contributions and an increase to the compensation package totalling 7.1%.
The members of IAM Local Lodge 2921, who represent the pre-board screeners, are frontline airport staff and weathered many hardships while still providing services to the flying public. They dealt with changing COVID protocols and health and safety issues throughout the pandemic.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is Canada’s largest union representing aviation, airlines, airports and aerospace workers. The union represents over 20,000 members in the air transportation sector across Canada.
For more information
Keith Aiken
Canadian Airline Co-ordinator
kaiken@iamaw.org
