(Fredericton, February 24, 2015) Heralding in a new era of cooperation, and in stark contrast to the bitter and extended contract dispute two years ago, the Fredericton International Airport Authority and the Public Service Alliance of Canada, representing unionized airport employees, have agreed to a new contract, reached in record time.

L to R: Andrew Isbill, Mike Ripley, Alvin Nason, David Innes, Wayne Fagan, Faye Downing, Anna Goguen, and Perry Dyke.

Outgoing FIAA President and CEO David Innes says that rather than the traditional positional-based process, the two sides utilized what is known as interest-based negotiations, where the focus is on open discussion rather than demands and counter demands. Innes says with this process, a new contract was reached in a mere 11 days, which means this new one was reached more than two months before the current one is to expire.

Innes says both management and the union are very pleased with the process. “The union and management relationship hit a low point during the strike two years ago but the silver lining was that a sincere and mutual commitment to work together emerged.  That commitment has resulted in this remarkable progression to a relationship which can now be considered a model for others. The agreement is a great accomplishment by both sides. ”

Regional Executive VP of PSAC Jeannie Baldwin agrees. “The cooperation that led to reaching this contract is indeed a product of the improved work environment at the Fredericton airport, and it should stand as an example of what can be accomplished when two sides have mutual respect and are willing to listen to one another.”

The new contact is being signed today at the Fredericton International Airport. The union represents 23 employees including administration staff, maintenance, and emergency response personnel.