Union of Pascan flight attendants alleges executive hit picket line with their car in Saint-Hubert

A union representing Pascan flight attendants, CUPE 5490, says they filed a police complaint after they claim a Pascan Aviation executive allegedly drove a vehicle into a group of workers gathered outside the company’s Saint-Hubert headquarters on Tuesday – who were on the picket lines.

According to the union, about 15 people were picketing when the incident occurred.

Pascan Aviation denied the allegations and that the incident even happened.

In response to Pascan’s denial, the union says they stand by their statement and what they claim happened. They say they reported the matter to Longueuil police (SPAL).

CityNews contacted SPAL and they confirm that a police intervention took place Nov. 18 at around 11:15 a.m., after they received a report of a “dangerous maneuver performed by a vehicle near picketers.”

“Our officers conducted a full response following a call received at our 911 centre. A thorough assessment of the situation and surrounding circumstances was carried out based on all information available at the time of the call, including meeting with the individuals present on site. No injuries were reported, and no formal complaint was filed in connection with the event,” explained police in an email.

The union reiterates that a police report was filed. “Members of the Pascan Aviation Flight Attendants Union did file a complaint with the Longueuil police yesterday at 5 p.m. at the station located at 699 Curé-Poirier Boulevard West. This is in connection with an incident that took place in front of the Pascan office in Saint-Hubert. We are surprised that the police are saying otherwise.”

On Thursday, police confirmed that, “The complainant came to the police station [Tuesday] evening to file a complaint. According to initial findings, there are no criminal elements, but we are still analyzing the various elements.”

“The strikers were exercising their right to picket peacefully when the car came at full speed and drove towards the parking lot. Fortunately, one of the picketers intervened and was able to keep one of his colleagues away before he was knocked down. It was a close call! There are many witnesses and we strongly denounce this kind of dangerous behaviour,” said Patrick Gloutney, President of CUPE Quebec on Tuesday.

“The alleged incident invoked by the union, never happened; this is dishonest statement from the union, adding fuel to the negotiation process,” said Yani Gagnon, Co-owner, Executive Vice-president and Chief Financial Officer of Pascan on Tuesday. “We reviewed the video and it was basically ‘much a do about nothing’. The employee in question is not an executive, he works in the dispatch department. He was driving on Route de l’Aéroport (70 km road) on his way to work, then reduced speed when approaching our building, put on his flasher signaling to the right, and proceeded to turn right to access our parking, on a 90 degree angle; there were people on the picket line manifesting, but no one was blocking the entrance; as he was crossing the sidewalk onto the parking, a union member quickly approached the car to wave a flag directly on the side window.”

“There was never any attempt to run over people. We have security guards in front of the entrance ensuring no one is blocking access to our building. The union called the police after the alleged incident; they came and left, stating there was nothing to investigate further as no fault was done.”

Unlimited general strike since Oct. 28

Pascan’s flight attendants have been on an unlimited general strike since Oct. 28. They are seeking improvements to wages, off-base accommodations, work assignments and crew scheduling. Their previous collective agreement expired on July 18.

CUPE 5490 represents 21 members employed by the regional airline, which operates out of Montreal Metropolitan Airport (YHU) and serves destinations including Quebec City, Gaspé, Bonaventure, the Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Saint John and Halifax, in addition to offering charter flights.

“A labour dispute is not easy for anyone. There is no excuse to endanger anyone’s life or health. I hope that senior management will also crack down on this individual whose actions are deplorable,” said Gloutney.

With 143,000 members across Quebec, CUPE represents more than 3,000 workers in the province’s air transport sector, including cabin crew at Air Canada, Rouge, Air Transat, Sunwing and Pascan. Nationally, the union also represents workers at WestJet, Swoop, Encore, Calm Air, First Air, Canadian North, Pivot Airlines, Flair Airlines and PAL Airlines.