Pearson screeners vote for strike

Airport workers employed by Garda World Security seeking higher wages, better work conditions

- GHADA ALSHARIF

The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority said in an email that a strike vote "is only one early step in the bargaining process."

More than 2,000 screening officers at Toronto Pearson airport have voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action, adding to a growing number of labour disputes in Canada’s travel industry which threatens to disrupt summer travel plans.

Out of the more than 2,800 Canadian Airport Works Union members, 99 per cent of the 2,240 who cast ballots last week voted to set a strike deadline to “reach a fair and equitable collective agreement,” according to documents obtained by the Star.

The workers, employed by Garda World Security Corp., are seeking higher wages and better working conditions. The bargaining process, which began on May 31, is set to continue until the end of June.

“We are committed to reaching a mutually beneficial agreement that addresses the needs and concerns of all parties,” Garda World said in an emailed statement.