T.F. Green union holds ‘No Confidence’ vote on airport leadership

WARWICK, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Council 94, American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO and Local 2873, RI Airport Corporation said that their members held a unanimous “No Confidence” vote on leadership at the Rhode Island Airport Corporation.

The unions said that the vote was caused by the RIAC “acting in bad faith” during contract negotiations.

“After my illegal termination, Local 2873 has continued to negotiate in good faith to obtain a new contract.” Local 2873 President Steven Parent said. “Despite our best efforts, RIAC has continued to act in bad faith.  The recent resignation of Public Safety Director Joseph M. Perkins, speaks to the hostile work environment created and condoned by CEO Iftikhar Ahmad.”

Parent was previously terminated from his position as a fire lieutenant due to what the RIAC called “efforts to sabotage airport operations and [violating] his fiduciary responsibility.”

He added that the union filed a class action grievance to contest the “Airport Police Department’s persistent understaffing.”

Council 94 President Michael McDonald added that the RIAC has illegally released confidential personnel records, terminated of a union president, and made unfounded accusations against employees.

The RIAC responded by saying that the vote was “pure theater” and union leadership have put not “forth a meaningful effort to finalize a contract.”

“These PR stunts will not pressure RIAC to make poor decisions at the negotiating table,” a statement from the corporation read. “RIAC management remains focused on its mission and will not be distracted nor impacted by baseless and untrue accusations.’

The statement added that union employees are well compensated in pay and benefits, and the airport is “fiscally sound with strong management as indicated by various rating agencies.”

The full statement can be read below:

The union’s no confidence vote is pure theater intended to generate leverage at the negotiating table and nothing more. We have been negotiating in good faith for many months. It’s time that union leaders put forth a meaningful effort to finalize a contract. These PR stunts will not pressure RIAC to make poor decisions at the negotiating table. RIAC management remains focused on its mission and will not be distracted nor impacted by baseless and untrue accusations. RIAC’s union employees are compensated extremely well in both pay and benefits.

The good news is Rhode Islanders can and should have every confidence in the leadership of the Rhode Island Airport Corporation. Every single metric confirms the airport is headed in the right direction. Rhode Islanders have more direct flight options than ever before and at competitive rates. The airport is fiscally sound with strong management as indicated by various rating agencies. Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport is coming off a record year with over 4 million passengers boosting Rhode Island’s tourism and economy. Additionally, we expect to announce new flights including international destinations next week.