At the initiative of Canadian Airports Council (CAC), this June 26, we celebrated the first “ Airport Workers Day » to recognize the contribution of these workers across Canada.
Airport Workers Day : “We transport what matters”
On the occasion of this Day, the CAC organized events to thank the airport workforce and the community, under the theme “We transport what matters”.
The syndicate Uniforwhich represents a large number of members of this workforce, intended to be part of it!
“We would like to pay tribute to the 16,000 skilled and dedicated Unifor members who work tirelessly and go the extra mile,” the union said, referring to the responsible workforce…:
- the maintenance and operation of airport facilities,
- of security,
- passenger check-in at the kiosk,
- baggage handling,
- from the orientation of passengers upon landing,
- from the traffic direction,
- of the piloting of the devices,
- in-flight passenger assistance
- maintenance of devices…
The union also thanked the many other aviation workers who provide exceptional service, day in and day out.
“They all play a vital role in connecting people to communities and Canadians to the rest of the world,” says Unifor.
Airport Workers Day : beautiful declarations are pleasant, but…
With this in mind, the union cites the CAC, which stated that “air transport is only possible thanks to a dynamic network of specialists who work diligently and in concert to ensure the safety and fluidity of the movement of people and goods “…
This is very well said, Unifor approves… However, it is important to go beyond words, insists the union!
“Beautiful statements are pleasant, but the recognition of air transport workers is not just words. These workers need better working conditions and the sector must act now. »
Unifor therefore took advantage of the “ Airport Workers Day » to ask the air transport sector to improve the working conditions of airport workers!
Airport Workers Day : a Bill of Rights to apply
Unifor recalls that the Air Transport Workers’ Bill of Rights presents nine concrete changes that the government, airports and the entire sector must implement to truly show that air transport workers are subject to acknowledgement.
The union is putting forward several demands:
- workers in the sector need fairness, with a minimum living wage required;
- they need fair scheduling practices and the ability to hold one full-time job instead of several part-time jobs to make ends meet;
- they must finally see an end to the worst effects of contract transfer through the implementation of full successor rights;
- they must be consulted to ensure that technological changes improve service and do not worsen working conditions;
- Employers in this sector need to move beyond just providing training and create robust skills development programs that combine multiple learning methods.
Airport Workers Day : first, do not underestimate their contribution
According to Unifor, airports, airlines and governments continue to underestimate the value and complexity of the work of airline workers. And this must stop!
Airport Workers Day : for a working environment without harassment
The union also emphasizes that airline workers need a work environment free from harassment from customers and colleagues.
“Employers must reduce the number of disgruntled passengers that workers face every day by stopping excessive reliance on understaffing and providing passengers with the service they deserve,” argues Unifor.
Unifor adds that workers need safe reporting mechanisms, free from retaliation, to report unsafe business practices and create a healthier, safer work environment.
Airport Workers Day : concretely improve their working conditions
Unifor ensures that workers appreciate the sentiment behind the Airport Workers Day.
But beyond words, the union insists, airports, airlines and governments must take concrete steps to improve working conditions and the lives of the hundreds of thousands of people who drive the sector forward.
Unifor believes what matters now is that airports, airlines and the Canadian government adopt the union’s framework for better working conditions that has already been established for them.
Airport Workers Day : “Our working conditions are your travel conditions”
“It’s time to make our aviation sector work for everyone – workers and travelers. After all, our working conditions are your travel conditions,” concludes Unifor.
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