Machinist maintain picket lines

By Jim Selby, AFL staff

[Edmonton] The strike by members of the International Association of Machinists (IAM) against Airport Terminal Services at the Edmonton International Airport has now dragged on for two-and-one-half months, with no resolution in sight. The 31 strikers, who perform maintenance and cleaning on West Jet flights, have been fighting for a first contract with their Missouri-based employer.

According to IAM representative, Rick Arsenault, the employer is deliberately pursuing an anti-union policy. "We had two days of conciliation that were totally unsuccessful," said Arsenault. "The union has several charges against the employer before the Labour Relations Board for unfair practices, but, to date, we have seen no movement by the employer at all."

AFL President Audrey Cormack points out that Alberta labour law is infamous for allowing employers to avoid unionization by simply stonewalling bargaining in critical ‘first-contract’ situations.

"In many other Provinces, there are mechanisms to force compulsory arbitration in first contract situations so that workers’ right to have a union are protected," said Cormack. "In Alberta, newly unionized workers are really left to the wolves," she said.

The Alberta federation of Labour has called upon other unions and union members to help provide picket lines support for the strikers. For further information, contact Mike Clegg of the IAM (cell phone: 604-831-3060).