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Continuing taxi labour dispute

Published on September 8, 2015

Continuing Taxi Labour Dispute
Statement from Mark Laroche, Airport Authority President and CEO

As  you know, a labour dispute continues between the former airport fleet taxi drivers and Coventry Connections, the taxi broker that is under contract with the Airport Authority to provide service to the airport's customers.

Today, that dispute escalated into violent actions by striking drivers against the Blue Line and Capital drivers who have been fulfilling the contract. Unfortunately, some of our customers have been affected by these activities. On August 14, 2015, the Authority obtained a court injunction which limited the size and scope of the protest, and until today, the injunction was respected. While we have always respected the rights of the protesters, we do not condone any kind of violent behaviour. And we must be able to maintain normal airport operations.

The Airport Authority is responsible for operating the airport in a safe and secure manner, which includes ensuring safe access to our facilities for our passengers, employees and the taxi drivers who are providing an important service for us. We call on our partners at the Ottawa Police Service to maintain the peace and to uphold the injunction.

The exclusive pick-up environment at the airport no longer exists. We have given Coventry Connections the flexibility to negotiate with the former airport fleet drivers in an effort to transition them to the new terms and conditions and the open system. We encourage both sides to get back to the negotiating table, resolve their differences and return to serving our customers.

About the Airport Authority

OMCIAA operates Ottawa International Airport without government subsidies under an 80-year lease transfer agreement with Transport Canada. The OMCIAA’s mandate is to manage, operate and develop airport facilities and lands in support of the economic growth of the National Capital Region. More than 4.5 million passengers are served each year, generating more than $2.2 Billion in total economic activity in Ottawa and Gatineau.