Saint John Airport Collective Agreement: What You Need to Know

The Saint John Airport, located in New Brunswick, Canada, is a vital transportation hub that serves the people of Saint John and surrounding areas. It is the only airport in the province currently offering scheduled passenger services by commercial airlines. The airport plays a critical role in the local economy, supporting jobs and creating opportunities for businesses and residents.

The airport`s operation is governed by a collective agreement, which is a legally binding document that outlines the terms and conditions of employment for the airport`s staff. The collective agreement is a crucial aspect of the airport`s operation, as it ensures that employees are treated fairly and that their rights are protected.

The most recent collective agreement was signed in 2019 and covers the period from April 1, 2019, to March 31, 2024. It was negotiated between the airport management and the Union of Canadian Transportation Employees (UCTE), which represents the airport`s workers.

The agreement includes provisions on wages, benefits, and working conditions for the airport`s staff. It also establishes a grievance procedure, which allows employees to raise concerns and seek resolution of disputes.

Under the agreement, the airport`s staff is divided into two bargaining units: the airport operations unit and the administrative unit. The airport operations unit includes frontline staff such as airfield maintenance workers, baggage handlers, and air traffic controllers. The administrative unit includes office and clerical staff such as accountants, administrators, and customer service representatives.

The collective agreement provides for annual wage increases, with a 2% increase in the first year and subsequent increases of 2.25%, 2.5%, and 2.5% in each subsequent year. The agreement also includes improvements to vacation and sick leave, health and dental benefits, and retirement benefits.

One notable provision of the collective agreement is the commitment to training and development of employees. The airport management and UCTE have agreed to work together to provide training opportunities to improve the skills and knowledge of the airport`s staff. This commitment is essential to ensure that the airport maintains a high level of safety and efficiency for all who use its services.

In conclusion, the Saint John Airport collective agreement is a critical component of the airport`s operation. It provides for fair treatment and protection of employees` rights, sets out clear terms and conditions of employment, and ensures that the airport remains a vital transportation hub for the people of Saint John and the surrounding areas. The commitment of both airport management and UCTE to work together to improve the skills and knowledge of the airport`s staff is a positive step in ensuring the airport`s ongoing success.