PRESIDENT MESSAGE TO ALL IAMAW MEMBERS SECURITY SCREENING OFFICERS

Dear Sisters and Brothers, The last few days there’s been national coverage of long line-ups across airports in Canada. Transport Canada, CATSA and even the Minister of Transport have spoken on the issue, offering their explanations and commitments to address the problem. Many of you may not be aware that our Brothers and Sisters from Local Lodge 16 are in a round of negotiations that are nothing short of a bitter fight for their rights and dignity in the workplace. The media has covered the issue from each angle, framing the issue at airports as a bargaining issue, but this is not true.

Over the last few days, the District, Local Lodge 16 and the General Chairperson have been hard at work managing an impossible negotiation process, and getting the truth out about our Members, and the real reason behind long line-ups at airports.

Our message is clear: long line-ups are a result of employers’ failure to plan for a resurgence in air travel and ensure staffing levels matched passenger volumes. Easing of travel restrictions, pent up demand for travel, and information from Transport Canada all indicated that travel would resume in full swing. Staffing shortages have been an issue at airports for months, yet, employers have been slow to address reasons behind this. Training is one of the issues, as well as, recruitment and retention. While every other employer that faced shortages adjusted compensation to a competitive level, screening contractors have not.

Our Members are being asked to do more with less, while working in challenging work environments where morale is low. The IAMAW knows this to be true: our Members are overworked and underappreciated.

In interviews with major media outlets, we have highlighted this message and asked for the public’s patience and support. Screening Officers across this country are under immense pressure, and despite the challenges, their commitment to safety and security has not waned.

On behalf of District Lodge 140, I wish to thank all our Screening Officers as you are in an impossible situation, for your commitment, dedication, and resolve.

Know that we stand with you and will continue to fight for you.

In solidarity,
Dave Flowers
President & Directing General Chairperson