Toronto, ON – Today the Machinists Union opened bargaining with Air Canada and Aveos at the Sheraton Centre Downtown in Toronto. This bargaining is unprecedented in that, for the first time ever, the Canadian General Vice-President has participated from the very beginning of negotiations.
“We are looking for gains in this entire process,” said Chuck Atkinson, IAM District 140 National President and Directing General Chairperson. “That is our message and that is our intent and it applies to all IAM bargaining units at Air Canada and in Aveos,” he said.
“We’re looking ahead to the future and leaving behind what is past,” said Dave Ritchie, General Vice-President of the IAMAW in Canada. “The Grand Lodge will provide whatever support is needed in these negotiations, and that includes me”, said Ritchie.
This is the first time all units, TMOS, Clerical and Finance at Air Canada and Maintenance and Clerical at Aveos have participated in bargaining together.