Madam Speaker, I have letters here from some of the same people who were opposed to the air passenger bill of rights. The Canadian Airports Council says:
The Canada Labour Code has an emergency services provision designed to “prevent an immediate and serious danger to the safety and health of the public”. It kicks in when there is a clear and present danger to the public. However, it does NOT cover many other essential services provided by federally regulated industries that the Canadian public view as critical to their well-being. For example, it could not be used to deal with a strike or lock-out of the following work groups who are essential to keeping an airport open and operational:
The letter spells out:
Workers who provide snow removal services at many airports during the winter
A contractor’s employees who providing de-icing services
Commissionaires, or other groups who provide important security-related duties
Non-safety/security labour groups, such as baggage handlers
It goes on to say that--