'They have their families to feed': YVR janitors set to escalate job action

Approximately 230 janitors at Vancouver International Airport are set to escalate job action Tuesday at "undisclosed areas of the airport."

“As we all know, life in B.C. is very tough,” said Goody Gozun, a YVR janitor and member of SEIU Local 2. “They need to pay their bills. They have their families to feed. That's why they're asking for the fair wage of $25 (per hour).”

The union says it will be asking other airport workers to not cross the picket lines when they escalate the action.

The cleaners are employees of Alpine Building Maintenance.

The company told CTV News the union turned down an offer Monday of $24.55 per hour plus benefits, equalling a total compensation of $27.05 per hour.

During the strike, Alpine’s management team has taken over some cleaning duties at YVR, however, many bathrooms on Monday were seen with garbage overflowing from bins.

While SEIU Local 2 did not specify where they will be picketing, YVR hopes the workers stay in certain areas of the airport.

“We have reached out to remind SEIU Local 2 of these designated areas and it is our expectation that they will respect these areas in the event of further demonstrations,” said Paul Michna with the YVR communications team.

Travellers are encouraged to check their flight status with their airline and arrive two hours ahead of domestic flights and three hours ahead of U.S. or international flights.