OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwire) -- 10/27/12 -- The Honourable Lisa Raitt, Canada's Labour Minister, has referred a question with respect to the application of subsection 87.4 (1) (maintenance of activities) to the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB), regarding employees who provide pre-boarding screening services at airports in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador.

"Our government has a strong mandate to protect Canadian jobs and the economy, so we have been closely following the negotiations between Securitas Transport Aviation Security Limited and the United Steelworkers," said Minister Raitt. "I have asked the CIRB to review the situation to ensure that the health and safety of the public would not be affected by a work stoppage."

Securitas Transport Aviation Security Limited delivers airport screening services on behalf of the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA). The United Steelworkers, Locals 5319 and 9342, represent approximately 800 employees providing pre-boarding airport security services. Their collective agreements will expire on October 31, 2012.

"I am concerned that the parties have not been able to conclude new collective agreements," said Minister Raitt. "I urge the employer and unions to continue working together to resolve their outstanding issues."

Under the Canada Labour Code, the CIRB, upon referral by the Labour Minister during a labour dispute, may issue binding orders with respect to the maintenance of activities to ensure that a work stoppage does not threaten public safety or health. As section 27 of the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority states that aerodrome screening is necessary to prevent immediate and serious danger to the safety of the public, Minister Raitt has asked the CIRB to review and make a determination as to the level of service required. Both the unions and the employer must continue their normal work activities until a determination has been made by the CIRB.

The CIRB is an independent, representational, quasi-judicial tribunal. Its mandate is to interpret and apply the provisions of Part I of the Canada Labour Code that deal with collective bargaining and unfair labour practices.

For more information on the CIRB, visit www.cirb-ccri.gc.ca.

This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.

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