While the airport workers union and City of Timmins didn't come to a deal today during mediation, a potential strike has been put on hold.
According to the City of Timmins, the mediation today between the city and the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) (the bargaining agent for the Union of Canadian Transportation Employees) was unsuccessful.
Over the weekend, the union gave its 72-hour strike notice effective today at 6 p.m.
Late this afternoon, however, the union sent out a notice saying the strike is temporarily on hold.
"Throughout this process, all we've wanted was to get back to the bargaining table," said Martin Mika, UCTE regional vice president for Ontario, in a statement. "Since we're finally making some progress, we want to keep the conversation going until we reach a deal."
While the negotiations continue, Mika said the airport will remain fully operational.
Last week, Mika told TimminsToday the the deal on the table was for a 1.5 per cent pay increase, however the cutbacks to shift premiums and insulated work boots not being covered by the employer are more than that.
"PSAC has made claims about the cost of work clothing and premium eroding the wage offer of the City. Even after addressing those items in mediation, the PSAC has now decided to ask for a 12.8 per cent wage increase. This salary request is far beyond any settlements the City has had with its other unions and is well in excess of any reasonable cost of living increases," reads a statement from the city this afternoon.
"Most importantly for travellers, the City of Timmins has plans in place and does not anticipate any significant disruptions to operations. Travellers should anticipate some delays when a picket line is formed, and are encouraged to factor that into their plans."
At the airport, UCTE represents 19 workers, including mainenance and airfield technicians, mechanics, electricians, and administrative personnel.
The union says it expects to meet with the city again in the coming days.
