Unifor is urging the federal government and airport authorities to reject further privatization of Canada’s airports, arguing the move would prioritize profits over public safety, suppress wages, and increase costs for travelers.
The call comes after a March 7 federal government statement encouraged airports to explore partnerships with private entities to expand privatization within the existing regulatory framework. The government’s position does not alter current governance models or laws but lays out mechanisms for increased private sector involvement.
“If your goal is to improve a public service, then pushing for privatization is the fastest way to fail,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Privatization of critical infrastructure, like our airports, can put profit over public safety, remove public accountability, and, as many airport workers know, suppress wages and working conditions.”
Unifor, which represents 16,000 workers in the aviation sector, is urging airport authorities not to take steps toward privatizing National Airport System (NAS) airports. The union argues that selling off public infrastructure is a short-sighted measure that leads to long-term financial burdens.
“We’re in a national crisis, with Canada’s very sovereignty being threatened, and the direction from the top is to sell off more of our transportation infrastructure?” Payne said. “Privatization is not free money. We always pay it back with interest — and often with regret.”
The union’s Air Transportation Workers’ Charter of Rights calls for nine policy changes aimed at improving working conditions, which Unifor says would lead to a better experience for travelers. The union, Canada’s largest in the private sector, represents 320,000 workers across various industries and has been a vocal opponent of privatization efforts in public services.
