Vancouver airport workers issue strike notice, possibly affecting flights

Image: YVR / Shutterstock

UPDATE: As of 9 pm on November 23, the IAM has re-entered negotiations with Swissport Canada. There is currently no impact to operations at YVR.

There could be some delayed flights at Vancouver International Airport this weekend as the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) delivered a strike deadline to Swissport International Ltd., for 1 pm on Saturday, November 26.

Swissport is the company hired directly by a number of airlines to various services such as luggage handling and aircraft cleaning.

Swissport workers issue 72-hour strike notice at YVR. No current impact to operations. More info here: https://t.co/4LffpVUYuu

— Vancouver Airport (@yvrairport) November 24, 2016

“In addition, Swissport is hired directly by Vancouver Airport Authority to support overall staffing of the baggage system,” YVR said in a release.

However, YVR says there are contingency plans in place for the airport’s baggage system and airlines are also coordinating with Swissport for backup baggage handling procedures.

The following airlines are not serviced by Swissport and will not be affected by the possible strike:

Aeromexico
Air Canada
Air Canada Rouge
Air North
American Airlines
Central Mountain Air
Delta Airlines
Swift Air
United Airlines

“YVR remains hopeful that the matter will be resolved quickly with an agreement that is favourable for both parties. Should negotiations break off, the Union will provide another 72-hour notice period prior to taking any job action,” said YVR.

It is recommended that passengers continue to check for flight updates with their airlines on YVR’s website on their Twitter page.