St. John's airport, firefighters reach deal to continue normal operations

The St. John's International Airport Authorityhas reached a deal with its firefighting staff to keep the airport operating normally.

Both the airport and the Union of Canadian Transportation Employees, which represents the firefighters,released statements Thursday night outlining the development.

The union said they've "reached an understanding that will see the airport remain openwhile addressing the concerns of the airport firefighters."

The move comes after days of uncertainty for some air travellers.

Thelabour dispute between the airport and the firefighters came to a headTuesday afternoon, when most passenger flights in and out of the airport were cancelled because of inadequate staffing.

Six of the nine firefighters employed by the airport went on leave due to concerns over what they say is a toxic workplace, forcing most passenger air traffic to a halt.

Eight flights were cancelled because of the interruption, thoughbyWednesday morning, flights had resumed afterboth sides met with a federal mediator.

But that solution wasn't permanent, and decisions about whether passenger flights could continue have been made almost day to day.

"We have worked tirelessly over the past several days with the assistance of a federal mediator and have successfully addressed the issues that were impacting our ability to fully operate the airport," reads the statement from the St. John's airport.

The union had alsoshared member concerns of bullying, harassment and health and safety issues at the airport.

According to the union, "the mediated settlement gives protection to the members and tackles some of thesafety concerns. Furthermore, the employer agrees to establish a joint committee toaddress other outstanding issues."

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