Screeners at various B.C. airports wearing street clothes to protest against substandard pay and disrespect from the federal government

Screeners at airports in Abbotsford, Kamloops and Whitehorse are wearing street clothes to protest what their union says is substandard pay and disrespect from the federal government.

The United Steelworkers says airport screeners at more than 40 airports across Canada launched the visible protest this morning.

The demonstration comes as many airports have reported long lines, flight delays and other disruptions caused by a lack of staffing at security or customs checkpoints.

Steelworkers national director Marty Warren says more than 850 screening officers have been hired since April but the government has not set aside enough money to pay for wages or adequate working conditions.