NDP stands shoulder to shoulder with labour in opposing airport privatization

OTTAWA – NDP Transport Critic Heather McPherson was joined by NDP leader Avi Lewis and labour representatives this morning to voice their opposition to the government’s plans to privatize the country’s four largest airports.

Together, they warned that turning this critical public infrastructure over to private investors would raise costs for travelers, threaten the jobs and wages of airport workers, and put the public interest at risk.

Rather than selling off public assets, New Democrats are calling on the government to keep airports publicly owned and invest in the infrastructure Canadians rely on.

The NDP is also standing with workers in opposing the government’s recently introduced legislation, Bill C-39, which would expand the federal government’s powers to intervene in labour disputes. The party is raising concerns that giving the government greater ability to intervene in negotiations undermines workers’ bargaining power and the fundamental right to strike.

At a time when Canadians are facing pressure from rising costs and economic uncertainty, the NDP says the federal government should be protecting good jobs, strengthening workers’ rights and keeping critical infrastructure in public hands.

Avi Lewis, Leader of Canada’s NDP, said:

“The results of privatization are always the same: a handful of investors get rich while travelers and workers pay the price. Protecting our sovereignty means keeping our airports in public hands. The NDP stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Canada's labour movement in putting airport workers, travellers and the public interest ahead of profits for foreign investors.”

Heather McPherson, NDP Transport Critic said:

“At a time when Canada’s sovereignty is under threat, decisions that could undermine the security of our critical infrastructure are dangerous and irresponsible. The safety of Canadians is at risk.”

Lily Chang, Secretary- Treasurer, Canadian Labour Congress said:

“Private investors don’t put billions into airports unless they expect to make billions back. In the middle of a trade war, handing profitable public infrastructure over to private investors is exactly the wrong move. Canada needs to invest in itself, protect good jobs and keep the value of the assets we depend on here at home. We won’t build a stronger Canada by selling pieces of it to the highest bidder.”

Tammy Moore, Unifor Aviation Council Chairperson

“Unifor members are deeply opposed to any move that further privatizes Canada’s airports. When airports are privatized, fees for travellers are hiked and airport workers wages and jobs are often cut. Canada’s airport workers and travellers are already squeezed. Now is the time to hold the line and build more public infrastructure, not sell off control.”

David Chartrand, IAM General Vice President

“Airports are essential infrastructure, not profit-making enterprises. Privatization puts the interests of investors ahead of workers, passengers and the communities these airports serve.”