Yesterday, workers at the Aéroports de Montréal (ADM) presented their cost-saving proposals to management as part of an effort to stave off the unnecessary and greed-driven layoffs of 93 unionized employees — to be replaced with precarious contractors. The workers under threat, members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada, currently perform a wide range of services, including security, administrative support, reception and information assistance.

Airport CEO Philippe Rainville is threatening layoffs during a period of record airport revenues unless the workers accept a pay cut of up to 31 percent. This pay cut is an absurd proposal under any circumstance, but is even more galling given the airport’s financial success, Mr. Rainville’s annual compensation of over $400,000, and the million dollars in executive bonuses also shared by Rainville.

“We hope the airport’s management does the right thing and accepts these cost-reducing proposals,” said Chris Aylward, PSAC’s National President. “This is corporate greed, plain and simple. These workers have generated record revenues for ADM, but its wealthy CEO wants even more, at the expense of these workers, their families, and the wellbeing of travelers.”

“Indeed, contracting out work to the lowest bidder will lead to a major reduction in service quality for travelers at the Montreal airport,” added Yvon Barrière, Quebec Regional Executive Vice-President of the Public Service Alliance of Canada. “Our members have extensive experience with airport operations and they care deeply about the quality of service travelers receive. Management must listen to them.”

Last year, ADM staff received the World Airport Awards for 6th Best Airport Staff in North America. At the time, ADM Chief Executive Officer Philippe Rainville noted that the award “recognizes the quality of service and reception offered by all employees who work directly with travelers.”

PSAC is committed to protecting decent paying jobs and protecting the public against corporate greed.