http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/a.../19/c2778.html


TORONTO, July 19 /CNW/ - The union representing Canada's 2,300 air
traffic controllers has announced a very limited form of legal strike action
to commence Wednesday, July 20.
"The only action taken will be to stop training new student controllers",
said Rob Thurgur, national president of CAW Local 5454. "All services to
airlines and the travelling public will continue safely and uninterrupted."
The short-term impact, said Thurgur, will be to slow down the replacement
rate of new controllers in this chronically short-staffed industry, and cost
the employer (NAV Canada) overtime expenses. It may also lead to increased
restrictions which can significantly impact the airlines' operating costs.
The current collective agreement expired March 31, and contract talks
have been ongoing since December 2004.
"The last contract took 30 months to finalize," said Thurgur, "and our
members will never tolerate such delays again. Our priority now is to get a
freely negotiated settlement with NAV Canada within the next few days."

CAW Local 5454 represents Canada's 2,300 Air Traffic Controllers,
licensed professionals responsible for the safe takeoff, landing, and
in-flight separation of all aircraft flying in and around Canada.