Striking airport refuellers sit down with employer for first time during strike

MONTREAL — Airplane refuelling workers who are on strike at two Montreal airports say “the ball is in the employer’s court” after they presented proposals to Swissport Canada Monday in the first sit-down since talks broke down early last week.

Swissport says it will evaluate the proposed collective agreement and get back to the workers “as soon as possible.”

Now in its eighth day, the labour disruption by more than 100 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers revolves largely around compensation and a group insurance plan.

Swissport and the Montreal airport authority say the company is maintaining refuelling services without delays, despite the strike.

On Friday evening, a fuel spill occurred on the tarmac at Trudeau airport after a tanker truck operated by a manager struck a cement pillar.

The strike includes aircraft refuellers as well as mechanics, dispatchers and maintenance workers of fuel storage facilities who have been without a contract since August.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 7, 2020.

The Canadian Press