The labour dispute between Coventry Connections and Unifor Local 1688 members is ongoing and about to enter its fourth week.

The Airport Authority has a responsibility to provide a safe and secure transportation service for its passengers and has done so through a contractual arrangement with Coventry Connections. It also has a responsibility to negotiate a fair revenue agreement as a part of that contract. The contract was negotiated in good faith and in keeping with the transparent manner in which the Authority conducts all procurement and contracting activities. The agreed-upon solution is one of long-term stability for our customers and for the drivers. Coventry is currently fulfilling their contractual agreements with a large workforce of drivers who are delivering a high standard of service.

The Authority continues to encourage the Union representing the remaining drivers to join Coventry at the negotiating table. We hope they can resolve their differences, and welcome the drivers back to the airport.  The Airport Authority does not and will not insert itself into labour negotiations between a private contractor and its employees, even if that contractor provides a service at the airport. This point was reiterated this afternoon during a meeting between Unifor and the Airport Authority.

“The Authority is pleased with the level of service being provided by the drivers who have agreed to serve the airport, and pleased that the rent being paid is more in line with the market and with the rest of our tenants” said Mark Laroche, Airport Authority President and CEO. “We look forward to working with Coventry and all drivers who serve the airport, and continuing to raise the bar where our collective customer service offering is concerned. "

The Airport Authority is governed by a 14-member Board of Directors, which is constituted by members of the community who are nominated by various levels of government and other community-based organizations. The Chair of the Board, Susan St. Amand expressed the unanimous support of the Board with the following remarks:

“On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, I would like to express our support for the efforts of Airport Authority President and CEO, Mark Laroche. We have full confidence in his actions, and the manner in which he has led the Authority team throughout the management of the ongoing taxi contract negotiation and dispute on airport property.

We respect the rights of the protesters and understand their need to be heard, but we are also committed to ensuring the safety and security of our passengers, employees and facilities at all times. We all hope the parties involved in the dispute can find a quick and peaceful resolution.”

About the Airport Authority

OMCIAA operates Ottawa International Airport without government subsidies under an 80-year lease transfer agreement with Transport Canada. The OMCIAA’s mandate is to manage, operate and develop airport facilities and lands in support of the economic growth of the National Capital Region. More than 4.5 million passengers are served each year, generating more than $2.2 Billion in total economic activity in Ottawa and Gatineau. More information can be found at www.yow.ca.

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