In November 2023, GardaWorld Security Corporation signed a contract worth a total of $2.7 billion with the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA), which represents $1.5 billion for Quebec. regions and the Maritimes. This agreement, which covers the provision of boarding security services for passengers, airport staff, crew members, cabin crew and baggage, came into force on April 1, 2024 .
But since then, some control agents have had difficulty getting paid and some equipment does not work properly, or is even completely non-existent.
For all 13 regional airports, 11 agents have not been paid since April 1, and 65 have noted significant errors. As for the Quebec airport, only a few agents have not received pay, but all 190 agents report errors. The Montreal airport is also affected, although there were no precise figures.
Some control agents have difficulty getting paid and some equipment does not work properly or is even completely non-existent. (Mariane L. St-Gelais/Le Quotidien)
“A computer failure”
“Discontent is growing and there is discontent in many airports. I can’t believe that in 2024, we are operating with a system like that. It’s an additional Source of stress, in addition to having the stress of daily life, you have to pay the rent, the groceries, take care of the children… People are not paid, and some don’t even exist. not in the payroll system. The next payday is May 2 and nothing has been settled yet. I’m tired of sending emails [courriels]to ask for help and receive nothing,” said an employee, who wished to remain anonymous.
Some agents, particularly in the regions, also have to use their personal telephone and email address, even though equipment should normally have been sent to them.
“Normally at the airport there are computers to facilitate communications and a telephone device provided by the company to the team leader. But none of that works, the computer is there, but the communication system does not work, and the agents have to use their personal emails and telephones,” notes the representative of the United Steelworkers for Quebec regional airports, Jerry McIntyre, who believes the company wasn’t quite ready to pursue the contract.
Jerry McIntyre, the Steelworkers’ Union representative for Quebec’s regional airports, does not believe the employer is showing bad faith. (Francois Gervais)
He further explains that the time clock system is not operational and employees have to fill out a card manually, take a photo of it and send it to supervisors with their personal devices.
Contacted by The DailyGardaWorld states, however, that it “does not require airport officers to use their personal devices to fulfill their obligations,” and that the company provides each airport with equipment, including cell phones and computers.
No bad faith
According to what the United Steelworkers Union has been able to learn, the situation should be resolved shortly, either Thursday or Friday.
“I am far from thinking that the employer is in bad faith. As of today, what they are telling us is that they are making every effort to resolve the problem. Since the transfer of Securitas to GardaWorld, communications have always been good between the union and the company. We didn’t expect the relationships to be so good,” explains Jerry McIntyre.
If the situation were to persist, the Union, which has recourse in its collective agreement, could file grievances so that the agents recover what they have lost. On the other hand, as they are not in negotiations, they will not be able to use pressure tactics.
“I received a communication yesterday saying that people in the Maritimes have started using pressure tactics. It is certain that when you do that in this context, you expose yourself to disciplinary measures. We, in the union, cannot suggest that people do it,” continues the Union representative.
According to what the United Steelworkers Union has been able to learn, the situation should be resolved shortly, either Thursday or Friday. (Mariane L. St-Gelais/Le Quotidien)
“But we don’t want it to get out of hand either, so we want the employer to improve communications and make sure to keep people informed, to give them the best information possible to prevent things from getting out of hand.”
— Jerry McIntyre
For its part, GardaWorld confirms that a recent system and processing error affected the accurate payment of some of its aviation sector employees.
“The majority of known issues have been resolved and we continue to address any additional anomalies as quickly as possible to ensure employees are paid correctly. We are aware of the considerable inconvenience this situation has caused for many of our employees and we have contacted the affected employees to address their concerns,” they said.
