About 25 members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada working at Saint John Airport did not report for work today in the first wave of strike action.
Union Rep Jeannie Baldin says the workers provide a valuable service to the traveling public in Saint John but, they haven't had a raise since January of 2008.
The union has not put up a picket line for now as all non-essential workers took strike action including those doing administrative, labour, trades and firefighting duties.
The union claims management walked away from the table last week at which time they gave notice the next day, warning that strike action will be launched today at 5am if no deal was reached. The mediator has called the two parties to reconvene talks this afternoon. The workers last contract expired in December of 2008.