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HAMILTON, Ont. – Hamilton airport workers, represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), overwhelmingly rejected the final contract offer from the airport’s operator, Tradeport International Corporation, and vowed to fight off Tradeport’s plans to contract out critical airport operations, including airport security.

While Tradeport makes public statements about the airport’s bright future, they are quietly asking us to accept significant concessions that will allow them to contract out our work,” said Gus Oliveira, president of CUPE Local 5167. “Our members will not accept concessions that will undermine the services we provide to the public.”

The 30 airport workers provide airport security, maintenance, emergency fire and custodial services at John C. Munro International Airport in Hamilton. Their last contract expired on October 1st, 2004.

We will not accept an inferior offer and will fight to make sure airport operations are not contracted out,” said Oliveira. “Contracting out not only compromises the quality of security and maintenance services at the airport, it also means that dedicated workers will be laid-off and their security expertise will be lost – how will that help the airport’s future?”

On Thursday June 30th, the workers voted 96% to reject the employer’s contract offer. With the assistance of the Canadian Labour Board, CUPE 5167 will now negotiate an essential services agreement with the employer. The agreement could outline a strike protocol and a strike deadline or a lockout date.

For further information, please contact:

Gus Oliveira
President
CUPE Local 5167
905-522-0917 (office)
905-517-4105 (cell)
Gerry McDonnell
CUPE National Representative
905-575-5411
James Chai
CUPE Communications
416-292-3999