News
Garda Acts Decisively to Restore Pearson Screening Operations
Those Responsible for Screening Delays Face Termination, Fines and Prosecution
MONTREAL, QUEBEC, CANADA--(Marketwire - Oct. 11, 2011) - Garda Security Group, Canada's premier security solutions provider and a subsidiary of Garda World Security Corporation (TSX:GW), announced today that it has placed 74 screening officers at Pearson International Airport on suspension and commenced formal legal action against them following their refusal to honor a Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) injunction and court order prohibiting a work slowdown in screening operations at the airport.
Garda is pursuing all legal means available against the individuals responsible for the illegal work slowdown including termination of employment, contempt of court proceedings and claims for damages. These actions were taken following repeated notification to all employees at the airport.
"While the vast majority of our 1,600 screening officers at Pearson are performing their jobs, a small number of individuals have caused disruptions and delays and their actions will not be tolerated," said Marc-Andre Aube, COO of Security Solutions Canada. "We deeply regret the disruption and inconvenience caused by their actions. We remain confident that the professionalism and diligence of the vast majority of our employees will restore the confidence of our aviation stakeholders. We are continuing to work with our screening officers, the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA), airlines and airport officials to ensure that screening operations return to normal as quickly as possible."
"Garda is proud of its impeccable record as a security provider protecting some of the most highly secured infrastructures in Canada and of our excellent relations with our 21,000 Canadian employees," Mr. Aube continued. "We will not allow the irresponsible and illegal actions of a few malcontents to ruin the reputation of our hard-working and diligent workforce which provides outstanding service in keeping travellers secure."
Garda currently manages pre-board security screening at 26 airports throughout Canada, including four of the five largest.
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements in this press release may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of securities laws. Forward-looking information may relate to Garda's future outlook and anticipated events, business, operations, financial performance, financial condition or results and, in some cases, can be identified by terminology such as "may"; "will"; "should"; "expect"; "plan"; "anticipate"; "believe"; "intend"; "estimate"; "predict"; "potential"; "continue"; "foresee", "ensure" or other similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. In particular, statements regarding the company's future operating results and operating profit and its objectives and strategies are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on certain factors and assumptions including expected growth, results of operations, performance and business prospects and opportunities, which Garda believes are reasonable as of the current date. While management considers these assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available to the company, they may prove to be incorrect. The company cautions the reader that the current adverse economic conditions make forward-looking information and the underlying assumptions subject to uncertainty and that, consequently, they may not materialize, or the results may differ from the company's expectations. Forward-looking information is also subject to certain factors, including risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from what Garda currently expects. These factors include the growth management, the market competition, the cost of financing, government regulations, the collective bargaining, currency fluctuations, the credit risk, the reputational risk and the financial covenants risk, many of which are beyond the company's control. Therefore, future events and results may vary significantly from what management currently foresees. The reader should not place undue importance on forward-looking information and should not rely upon this information as of any other date.
ABOUT GARDA
Garda (TSX:GW) is a global provider of security solutions, cash logistics and global risk consulting. With headquarters in Montreal, Canada, the firm's 45,000 dedicated professionals, among the most highly qualified and best-trained in the industry, serve clients in countries throughout North America, Europe, Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Garda works with clients in a broad range of sectors and industries including financial institutions, retailers, manufacturers, insurance companies, governments, humanitarian relief organizations and the natural resources, construction and telecommunications. The company's decentralized management philosophy and structure encourages employees to be entrepreneurial and performance-driven in their approach to client service and the pursuit of excellence in all they do. Garda's global experts take the time to fully understand their clients' business goals and objectives in order to customize solutions with strong local engagement that meet their needs. As a result, clients can improve operational performance, meet their business obligations, and achieve their corporate objectives. With proven experience and a commitment to ensuring the highest ethical standards in everything the Corporation does, Garda has earned a reputation for integrity, leadership and uncompromising safety standards. Most importantly, businesses, governments, and individual clients place their trust in Garda. For more information, visit: www.gardaglobal.com, www.gardacashlogistics.com and www.garda-world.com.
GardaWorld Contact
Nathalie de Champlain, Vice President, Communications, +1 561 939 2330, nathalie.dechamplain@garda.com; Joe Gavaghan, Director, Corporate Communications, +1 302 294 2162 x 400162, joe.gavaghan@garda.com