BY SYLVIE CHARBIN
TORONTO - After five weeks on strike, members of Local 0004
of the Public Service Alliance of Canada, representing 520
ground maintenance and clerical workers, voted November 8 by a
majority of 88.4 percent to ratify the latest contract offer
from their employer, the Greater Toronto Airports Authority
(GTAA). Ninety percent of the membership voted on the contract.
After a seven-year wage freeze, union members will receive wage increases ranging from 27 percent to 44 percent over the life of the six-year contract, retroactive to August 1997, with a cost-of-living allowance in the final year.
The union also won more job security against contracting out, improved overtime pay, and vacation leaves.
Two years ago airport workers were federal government employees. Although still covered by federal laws, they now work for private corporations.
The GTAA's original offer included no benefits and virtually eliminated seniority rights in case of layoffs.
Saleem Quadri has been a stationary engineer at the airport for the last 10 years. He recalled that the last time his union went on strike, in 1991, he was a "designated" employee, whose job is considered an essential service. As such, he was denied the right to strike. Quadri was pleased in the new contract no union member can be tagged a "designated employee."
As Greg Dufour, an electrician's helper and a picket captain, told the Militant, "Management tried to break the union, but in my opinion, all they did was make us stronger. As the strike went on, the numbers on the picket line increased."
"Nobody was ready for a strike," said Kavita Vyas, who has worked at Pearson for two years as an airport support operations specialist. "Management prepared, but we didn't. But we had solidarity. It was a good experience."
"I'm happy from the union perspective," said William Pontes, a ground operations worker. "Going into the strike, ground operations staff were suspicious of clerical staff, but the strike clarified how strong we are. No one crossed the line. We're more united now, and we've gained a sense of self-worth."
Sylvie Charbin is a member of International Association of Machinists Local 2113.