Air Canada must change the way it Operates!

Friday May 29, 2009
For Immediate Release
Toronto, ON – Air Canada’s largest union says the company must change the way it operates if it wants an agreement! That’s the consensus from the three bargaining committees of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers who are meeting with company officials today.
“There has to be paradigm shift by the management of Air Canada and the Board of Directors of ACE Aviation in the way the airline operates,” said Chuck Atkinson, President of IAMAW District 140. “We are the largest stakeholders in this airline and it’s time Robert Milton and his Board realize it’s the workers and not the shareholders who are its most valuable asset. Management must be prepared to include our members as full partners in this airline.”
‘We are willing to work with them, the other unions and the retirees to ensure that the pension plan is protected,” added Atkinson. “Our members are tired of being ignored, we want input in the control of our future and the first step toward a brighter future for this airline is management’s acceptance of that right.”
The IAMAW represents more than ten thousand workers at Air Canada including heavy and line aircraft maintenance mechanics, cargo agents, millwrights, electricians, inspectors, technical writers, baggage handlers, instructors, cabin groomers, aircraft cleaners, logistics, supply, clerical and finance personnel.