Achi news desk-
Workers performing security checks at 15 airports across Atlantic Canada are taking industrial action over unpaid wages, while their employer blames it on a “processing error.”
The United Steelworkers union says many members did not receive their full wages — and some received nothing — after a new contractor took over their services.
On April 1, GardaWorld became the sorting contractor for the airports in the region.
United Steelworkers Union Local 5319 President Mark Arsenault says workers under the new contract were supposed to be paid April 18, but that didn’t happen.
“They basically promised us the next day. We didn’t get it,” Arsenault said.
“We still have friends today who have not received money with no real guarantee of when they will actually receive it.”
According to him, the workers are struggling because many live from one paycheck to the next.
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“Some people couldn’t pay their mortgages,” Arsenault said. “I have a gentleman who needs to go to court next week and explain to the judge why he hasn’t paid his child support.”
Although they still come to work, some members are ditching their uniforms in protest of pay discrepancies.
“Some of them are wearing a little lighter colors, maybe some different sneakers than what is required by the uniform policy,” Arsenault said.
The government agency that issued the contract says it is aware of the problem.
In a statement, Susan Persau with the Canadian Air Transport Safety Authority (CATSA) said that “GardaWorld has experienced a pay issue that has affected some of its employees as they move to provide services in this area.”
Meanwhile, GardaWorld says a recent system error and processing error has affected the payments of some of its employees.
“Most of the known issues have been addressed and we continue to process any additional discrepancies as quickly as possible to ensure that employees are paid correctly,” the company wrote in a statement.
“We recognize the significant inconvenience this has created for many of our people and have communicated with affected employees to address any concerns they may have.”
Halifax Stanfield International Airport is monitoring the situation and is in contact with CATSA.
“We understand they are taking steps to ensure passengers are not adversely affected,” communications director Leah Bateston said. “As always, we encourage passengers to plan ahead and arrive early for their flight to ensure they have enough time to make their way through various processes at the airport, including security checks.”
Arsenault says the union won’t be happy until all members are paid in full.
He adds that although the employer has warned of disciplinary measures, they will continue their fight.
“We all just want to get paid, that’s how we all survive,” he said.
© 2024 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
