Saturday, July 6, 2024
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Unifor is hosting a rally at Calgary International Airport on July 5 during the first day of the Calgary Stampede to protest Paladin’s denial of bathroom breaks and water to workers.
“Access to water and washrooms are the most basic of asks in a workplace,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.
“It’s not just fundamental decency, it’s about human rights. Unifor members, day in and out, are keeping passengers and the Calgary airport safe and deserve respect.”
The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA), a crown corporation overseeing airport security, currently contracts this responsibility. Previously managed by GardaWorld, the Vancouver-based Paladin took over on April 1, 2024.
Union members of 937 Unifor Local 2002, employed as airport screening officers, training specialists, and team leaders at Paladin, are pressing for improvements. With their contract valued at over $1 billion, members cite numerous concerns highlighted in a recent emergency meeting. Issues include chronic understaffing leading to denied or missed breaks, arbitrary dismissals at shift starts under the guise of overstaffing, and inadequate access to bathroom and water breaks. At Calgary International Airport, unlike other Canadian airports, restrictions prevent carrying water bottles due to undisclosed reasons.
Access to water and sanitation is globally recognized by the United Nations as fundamental human rights, essential for health, dignity, and overall well-being.
“Paladin needs to recognize the urgency of addressing these deplorable working conditions immediately,” said Unifor Local 2002 President Tammy Moore.
“We’re demanding that all members be treated with dignity and respect and be granted the decency to work in acceptable conditions. We need to stand strong together in solidarity and show Paladin that we will not tolerate this treatment. We also want to thank the public for its patience for any travel delays as we try to resolve this.”
CATSA must enforce oversight over its contractors, including Paladin, to ensure that Unifor members are treated with dignity and fairness.
Despite multiple attempts by Unifor to address these issues with Paladin management, the company has consistently failed to take action. Members have endured health concerns such as fainting and other medical issues due to prolonged shifts without breaks.
Last year, members suffered from heat stress at the airport due to inadequate ventilation and air conditioning. This spring, Paladin removed fans from checkpoints, exacerbating the working conditions.
Unifor, Canada’s largest union in the private sector representing 320,000 workers across various industries, advocates for workers’ rights, equality, and social justice nationally and internationally. The union is committed to driving progressive change for a better future.
