(Photo: Scott Clements speaks to media during a news conference advising that TFWs will not be used as custodians at the Fort McMurray International Airport on April 29, 2015. Bradley Karp/REPORTER).
Security staff at the Fort McMurray International Airport have just a couple more months of work. Yesterday, officials told 46 workers they were switching to a contractor for security services.
“In order to stay fiscally responsible during the current economic downturn, we made a close examination of our full spectrum of corporate expenses,” stated CEO and President Scott Clements. “It’s a total of $4.7 million to operate with the CUPE contract and a total of $3.0 million with TAWs security.”
The airport issued an RFP for a Transport Canada approved security service. It awarded the contract to Anzac-based TAWS Security. In a news release officials touted the company’s record be noting it was a 2011 finalist for an Alberta Business Award of Distinction. Its president, Isabell Ringenoldus, was awarded the Aboriginal Woman Entrepreneur Award of Distinction in 2012.
The move comes just months after the airport laid off 24 cleaning staff in favour of a contractor. Clements said that switch was also made to save money. However, the airport faced criticism when CUPE 1505 said the contractor was known to hire temporary foreign workers. Clements says the new contractor will look to hire current staff, and it’s been speaking with the same union.
“By having a third-party security contractor, we are able to reduce costs while keeping the airport operating in a safe and efficient manner. We have worked closely with CUPE Local 1505 to ensure that our current security staff members are treated equitably and in accordance with their union contract,” states Clements in a news release.
This may not be the end of cuts warned Clements, who said he’s still trying to find about $1.5 million in savings,but that union gigs are safe. He wouldn’t comment on where the savings will come from.
TAWS Security starts Sept. 4, 2015.
– With files from Crystal Laderas, Bradley Karp
