OTTAWA, ONTARIO, March 8, 2011 - Today, the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Canada's Labour Minister, congratulates Handlex Groundhandling Services Inc. and the Canada Council of Teamsters, Locals 419 and 1999, for successfully reaching a new collective agreement.
"I applaud Handlex and the Teamsters for reaching a negotiated agreement," said Minister Raitt. "Strong labour-management relations contribute to our country's economic prosperity and the economic security of Canadians."
The collective agreement, covering a unit of 400 station attendants and baggage handlers working at the Montréal International Airport (Dorval and Mirabel) and at the Pearson International Airport in Toronto, expired on November 30, 2010. The agreement was reached with the assistance of a mediator from the Labour Program's Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service.
The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service provides dispute resolution and dispute prevention assistance to trade unions and employers under the jurisdiction of the Canada Labour Code. Mediation aims to achieve a collective agreement and avoid a work stoppage.
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This news release is available in alternative formats on request.
For further information (media only):
Ashley Kelahear
Special Assistant, Media Relations
Office of Minister Raitt
819-953-5646
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
