Minister Fletcher and Minister Raitt issue joint statement on illegal strike actions by Garda screeners at Pearson International Airport

No. HS005/11
For release - October 7, 2011

OTTAWA — The Honourable Steven Fletcher, Minister of State (Transport), and the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Labour, today released the following statement concerning the illegal strike actions by Garda screeners at Pearson International Airport.

"I expect the union and its membership to implement the decision issued by the Canada Industrial Relations Board on October 6, 2011, and to cease and desist from participating in any further unlawful strike activities, and to resume service levels at Pearson International Airport," said Minister Raitt.

Minister Raitt has appointed a mediator from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service to assist the parties in resolving their outstanding dispute.

"I expect the parties to fully cooperate with the mediator," added Minister Raitt.

"We are also pursuing alternative measures to ensure that passengers and baggage can be properly screened," said Minister Fletcher. "The government will pursue any and all additional actions to ensure Canadians spend this Thanksgiving weekend with their families, not in line at the airport."

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