Unifor to file complaint against Coventry, Ottawa Airport Authority

Complaint calls for compensation for locked out drivers

Unifor is filing an unfair labour practice complaint against Coventry Connections and the Ottawa International Airport Authority.

The union is alleging the parties undermined its bargaining rights and interfered with its status as the exclusive bargaining agent for airport cab drivers.

The complaint comes after Coventry Connections and the Airport Authority recently agreed to change the drivers’ dispatch fees from a monthly rate to a per-fare rate.

“It was a money grab by these two enterprises that will net them millions of dollars,” said Unifor national representative Harry Ghadban.

Drivers protested the change by refusing to pay fees, which led to Coventry effectively locking out the employees.

The complaint calls for compensation to be paid to drivers for losses suffered during the lockout and for any individual agreements signed with drivers who crossed the picket line to be cancelled.

“We are anxious to return to the table to negotiate a deal that is fair to all sides,” Ghadban said.

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