IAMAW Canada – ITUC joins ILO Global Coalition for Social Justice

The ITUC is now a member of the Global Coalition for Social Justice – a ground-breaking initiative aimed at intensifying collective efforts to address social justice deficits.

ITUC General Secretary Luc Triangle said: “The Coalition is key to tackling increasing inequality, insecurity, and military confrontation worldwide – all these are factors that undermine democracy and erode trust in governments.

“The foundation of restoring this trust and facing the major challenges of climate and technological change, is a New Social Contract based on decent jobs, workers’ rights, universal social protection for all, fair wages, equality and inclusions. This will help us deliver social justice.”

The Coalition has been set up as a key and timely initiative of ILO Secretary General Gilbert Houngbo.

An analysis of the last three decades of globalisation reveals governments’ capabilities to protect people’s dignity have been weakened and this has contributed to a rise in extreme right-wing and authoritarian politics.

This negative cycle can only be broken by a New Social Contract that re-balances the relationship between government, people and capital, to secure global common security and well-being.

Luc Triangle concluded: “We are delighted to join forces with those genuinely ready to contribute to delivering social justice to more people. We look forward to working closely with the ILO to realise our shared ambitions through this important initiative.”

SOURCE: ILO

IAMAW Canada – Feds Must Support Air Transportation Now!

Feds Must Support Air Transportation Now!

Feds Must Support Air Transportation Now!

In this week’s Throne Speech the federal government announced they would be providing “further support” for industries that have been the hardest hit, including travel and tourism.

“Covid-19 has devastated our members and their families, particularly in the transportation industry. We need more than just talk of support. We need action, and we need it now.” That was the response from IAM Air Transportation Coordinator Keith Aiken.

Also announced this week is a Federal Government plan to support airlines as they work to re-launch routes between smaller regional centres and connections to larger cities. Airports in some of the regional centers were closed early into the Covid – 19 pandemic as travel declined.

Said IAM General Vice-President Stan Pickthall: “We welcome any support the Federal Government can provide to get our transportation industry kick-started. Families living in the regional centers demand and deserve service. Air Transportation is essential to the health and welfare of these communities, and IAM members that work at these airports need to get back to work.”

The IAM is calling on the government to provide a comprehensive aid package to the Air Transportation and Aerospace industries in Canada to protect rural Canadians and save industries that are integral to the economic engine of this country. “We need the federal government to act now to save this industry and protect thousands of good jobs!” Added Pickthall.

Canada’s Airline industry has been devastated by Covid-19. Air Canada has reported a loss of $1.75 billion in the 2nd quarter of 2020, with a 95% drop in passenger revenue. The Company carried 480,000 passengers vs. 12.8 million during the same period in 2019 (96% drop). In the last few months, Air Canada retired 30% of its fleet, as they lose 22 million dollars per day.

“And it’s not only the airlines that are hurting; associate businesses like airports, our IAM airport service groups, catering, fueling, hotels, car rental agencies, and many surrounding businesses have all felt the pain of this pandemic.” Said Aiken.

“The IAM has lobbied at all levels of government and with all employers,” added Pickthall. “We have demanded improvements to social programs like CEWS and CERB, and we have urged all employers to participate in the programs that will benefit IAM members the most. We are going to turn the corner on this pandemic and we are going to start with our economic recovery. Employers – including airlines and airport service companies – are going to be relying upon the return of a healthy and skilled workforce to rebuild their businesses.”

The IAM is the largest union in air transportation in Canada.

Contact:
Keith Aiken: (416) 346-4593
Frank Saptel: (416) 386-1789