SAR aircraft technicians say employer not willing to make contract offers, heading to arbitration
Union and employer have been without a contract for 22 months
The union that represents maintenance workers responsible for repairs on Search and Rescue helicopters in Gander believes their employer isn't attempting to negotiate their contract.
"We haven't been able to come to any meaningful agreement on outstanding language, and they certainly haven't even broached the subject of wages and things with us," said local union president Martin Coady.
"There doesn't seem to be a meaningful process of negotiation taking place."
There's 35 members of the Union of National Defence Employees (UNDE) Local 90120 currently working without a contract for IMP Aerospace and Defence, the company that holds a government contract to repair Search and Rescue Cormorants.
They are now headed for an arbitration hearing.
Coady said the technicians have been working without a contract for 22 months and, because their work is deemed an essential service, they are unable to strike.
"Right now it's not a very happy environment," said Coady.
"People are disappointed and upset with the fact that we have an employer that's not showing us the respect you'd like to see."
Arbitration Hearing
Coady said some of the key priorities for union members are additional sick leave, fair wages and a fair spread of hours.
Negotiations between the union and company broke down last week in Halifax.
It will now be sent to a federal mediator who will meet with the union and the company, and make a ruling for settlements.
"Basically we haven't seen any real, meaningful effort from the company to try and resolve any issues with us," said Coady.
"They're not willing to make any offers."
CBC sent an email to IMP Aerospace and Defense and is waiting on a response.