Unionized airport workers threaten summer job action at Vancouver airport

RICHMOND, B.C. – Workers who fuel jets at Vancouver International Airport will be in a legal strike position on July 28, and their union is warning of disruptions if there’s no progress on a new contract.

The Public Service Alliance of Canada represents 70 jet fuel workers and a further 300 emergency responders, runway maintenance workers, baggage handlers, passenger assistants and other staff employed directly by the Airport Authority.

A union spokesman says talks with GlobeGround Fuel Services and the Airport Authority have reached an impasse, with both employers refusing to move on outstanding issues.

Bob Jackson, the PSAC regional executive for B.C., says the jet fuelers have voted 100 per cent in favour of a strike to protest demands for split shifts and cuts to benefits.

Issues for the Airport Authority workers include flexible work hours, stronger language against contracting out and opposition to a proposed two-tier wage rate for seasonal workers.

The union is warning of delays for arriving and departing flights during the busy summer season if there’s no headway in negotiations.