The members of PSAC/UCTE Local 50600 hit the picket line this morning at the Winnipeg Airport. After seven days of intense mediation, Winnipeg Airports Authority (WAA) walked away from the table about 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 23. We remained available to the mediator until 3:00 a.m. and when no further communication was made by the employer, our members hit the picket line at 3:00 a.m. sharp.
The main priority issue is the WAA’s use of contractors that are doing the work of bargaining unit members. We have filed grievances that are in the system and we have identified several cases where our members can do it more cost effectively. This has been all for naught and WAA refused to ensure the job security of our members.
SO HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT?
Stop by the Picket Line – Bring Your Flags and Your Friends
Picket lines are scheduled for 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., seven days a week. Location may vary, but at most times, there will be a line at either the departures and arrivals levels. Check in at Strike HQ to verify the exact location.
However, as all the parking at the airport is under contract by WAA, we ask you to NOT PARK in the WAA parkades. To facilitate visits of support, please park at the Victoria Inn and stop at Strike HQ in the Imperial Boardroom (through the main doors, turn left and it will be on your left). We will either get you on the hotel shuttle that we’ve made arrangements for or we’ll take you over ourselves and we’ll make sure you get back to your vehicle.
Help Send a Message to CEO Barry Rempel to Get Back to the Table
You can phone his office at (204) 987-2024 and ask him to show respect for his employees by going back to the table with an offer that shows respect.
Send Messages, Letters, Photos or Videos of Support
Please send them to Thomas Linner at linnert@psac.com and we’ll ensure the members see them. You can also post on the Facebook page Public Service Alliance of Canada - Prairie Region or tweet to @psacprairies
Send Donations for the Local Strike Fund
If you would like to make a donation, please make them payable to UCTE 50600 (Strike Fund in the memo field) and mail or drop them off at PSAC Regional Office, 460 – 175 Hargrave Street, Winnipeg, MB R3C 3R8. We’ll make sure it gets to the Local Treasurer!
Respect the Picket Line
While we understand there are limited options for alternate arrangements and its summer holiday season, as the bumper sticker says: