The possible use of TFWs at Fort MacMurray International Airport to replace laid off custodial staff has many people upset. Protests at the airport have been held and a lot of criticism has been given, some of it from people in high places and important positions. Initially Robert Clements was unresponsive to the concerns of the community and labor groups but that is starting to change. First Clements held firm and made comments that stopped short of guaranteeing that the staff at the airport would not be replaced with TFWs. In fact the CEO of the facility even told others that he would not stop Bill’s Cleaning Service from using TFWs if these were needed, The weeks of very visible protest and criticism have caused Clements to change his stance some.

During a recent press conference Fort MacMurray International Airport CEO Scott Clements provided some assurance that TFWs will not be used to fulfill the contract between the airport and Bill’s Cleaning Service. Clement said that the contract for the custodial services will include a pledge that no TFWs will be used, only Canadians. According to AFL president Gil McGowan the pledge is not enough. McGowan told the media “I’m afraid that six months to a year from now, when no one is looking and the scrutiny has passed, they’ll see TFWs filling these positions. Even if no TFWs end up at the work site, the fact remains that with this plan, Mr. Clements is turning good jobs into bad jobs at a time when the people of Fort MacMurray need as many good jobs as they can get.”