The IAM Local 2921 negotiating committee for members employed by Garda at Toronto’s three passenger airports completed the Negotiation Preparation for Bargaining Committees program at the Winpisinger Center.
The committee took part in the program to prepare for the Machinists’ third agreement with the employer.
“The committee started the prep course as individuals and left as a team,” said Committee Chairman Barry Barnett. “Thanks to the staff for all their efforts.”
“This preparation course has taught me to appreciate the differences of each person on the team and strengthened the unity between us to achieve for our members,” said committee member Colin Husbands.
“The whole course was a great learning experience. I personally feel that negotiation simulation was the best experience,” said committee member Rajiv Mohan.
“The preparation and knowledge gained are essential in achieving fairness for our future,” said IAM Grand Lodge Representative Ron Fontaine. “The negotiating committee worked hard, long hours to prepare for our upcoming negotiations.”
More than 2,200 Local 2921 members are employed as security screening officers for passengers and baggage at Toronto Pearson International Airport’s Terminals 1 and 3, Canada’s busiest, as well as Toronto Islands Airport, to ensure the safety of thousands of air travelers passing through each day.
The IAM is the largest union to represent security-screening officers in Canada and has members at stations in British Columbia as well.
The current collective bargaining agreement expires on March 31, 2018.
CAPTION: The Toronto Local 2921 Negotiating Committee for Garda security screeners completed the Negotiation Preparation for Bargaining Committees program at the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center, in Hollywood, Md. Front row from left: Committee Member Daljit Kalkat, Grand Lodge Representative Ron Fontaine, Committee Members Ghazala Najam and Yama Toki, and Committee Chairman Barry Barnett. Back from left: Strategic Resources Senior Research Economist Peter Greenberg, Committee Members Glenville Remy, Rajiv Mohan, Tayeb Lharti, Mir Alam, Amandeep Buttar and Colin Husbands.