Machinists Disappointed in Arbitrator’s Final Offer Selection!

Toronto, ON – “To say that we’re disappointed in the arbitrator’s award would be an understatement,” said a dejected IAM District Lodge 140 President Chuck Atkinson. He was reacting to the decision handed down Sunday by Mr Michel Picher in the final offer selection arbitration conducted in accordance with Bill C-33, the process legislated by the federal government in the Protecting Air Service Act.
The arbitrator’s selection of Air Canada’s final offer concludes bargaining between the airline and the IAM representing more than 8,600 Air Canada workers. The decision includes a five-year term which is in effect until March 31, 2016.
“The way the legislation was written by federal Labour Minister Lisa Raitt, left the arbitrator with little or no elbow room to come to any other decision than the one he made,” explained Atkinson. “Despite this decision, the IAM will continue with its court challenge to the legislation.”
Mr Picher made it clear that leaving the issue of pension relief unresolved places a cloud over the very viability of the company going forward. In return for the Union’s support of the company asking the government to extend its pension plan relief until 2024, the company agreed to a union proposal to remove a 3 per cent reduction in benefit which was previously decided by the Union in earlier bargaining. However, all of this is predicated on government acceptance of Air Canada’s pension relief extension request.
The IAM will now establish a schedule for information meetings for the membership to be held across the country within the next few days.
The IAMAW is the largest union at Air Canada representing line maintenance mechanics, auto mechanics, millwrights, electricians, inspectors, technical writers, planners, instructors, baggage and cargo handlers, aircraft cleaners, cabin groomers and weight and balance agents.