Unifor, Canada’s largest union in the private sector, is holding a rally at Calgary International Airport on July 5 during the first day of the Calgary Stampede. The protest is aimed at highlighting the denial of bathroom breaks and water to workers by Paladin, the company contracted by the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) to oversee airport security.
“Access to water and washrooms are the most basic of asks in a workplace,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “It’s not just fundamental decency, it’s about human rights. Unifor members, day in and out, are keeping passengers and the Calgary airport safe and deserve respect.”
The union, representing 937 members of Unifor Local 2002, employed as airport screening officers, training specialists, and team leaders at Paladin, is demanding improvements in working conditions. With their contract valued at over $1 billion, members have highlighted numerous concerns in a recent emergency meeting. These include chronic understaffing leading to denied or missed breaks, arbitrary dismissals at shift starts under the guise of overstaffing, and inadequate access to bathroom and water breaks.
At Calgary International Airport, unlike other Canadian airports, restrictions prevent carrying water bottles due to undisclosed reasons. The United Nations recognizes access to water and sanitation as fundamental human rights, essential for health, dignity, and well-being.
“Paladin needs to recognize the urgency of addressing these deplorable working conditions immediately,” said Unifor Local 2002 President Tammy Moore. “We’re demanding that all members be treated with dignity and respect and be granted the decency to work in acceptable conditions. We need to stand strong together in solidarity and show Paladin that we will not tolerate this treatment. We also want to thank the public for its patience for any travel delays as we try to resolve this.”
Unifor is calling on CATSA to enforce oversight over its contractors, including Paladin, to ensure that workers are treated with dignity and fairness. Despite multiple attempts by Unifor to address these issues with Paladin management, the company has consistently failed to take action.
Members have endured health concerns such as fainting and other medical issues due to prolonged shifts without breaks. Last year, members suffered from heat stress at the airport due to inadequate ventilation and air conditioning. This spring, Paladin removed fans from checkpoints, exacerbating the working conditions.
Unifor, representing 320,000 workers across various industries, advocates for workers’ rights, equality, and social justice nationally and internationally. The union is committed to driving progressive change for a better future.
