FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 5, 2024

Toronto, ON – IAM Canada has significant concerns regarding the recent announcement by the Canadian federal government that Competition Bureau Canada will be consulting Canadians on competition within domestic air passenger services.

The IAM, representing thousands of workers in the aviation and aerospace industries across Canada, believes this consultation could have far-reaching implications for the industry and its membership. The union is concerned that the focus of the consultation may not adequately address critical issues affecting Canadian airline workers and could potentially overlook the complexities of maintaining a competitive, yet fair, market.

The allowance of international carriers to operate domestically in Canada could have a detrimental impact on the “legacy” Canadian carriers as international carriers would only want to service the most profitable routes. This would impact the ability for the legacy Canadian carriers to turn a profit in what is a very competitive market. When this happens, service will be reduced, workers compensation will be reduced and jobs will be lost.

“While we recognize the importance of ensuring competitive practices in the airline industry, we urge the Competition Bureau to consider the broader impacts on workers,” said David Chartrand, IAM Canadian General Vice-President. “The consultation should not only focus on market competition but also address job security, fair wages, and working conditions for the thousands of Canadians employed in this sector. It is essential that the outcomes of this consultation support a sustainable and equitable aviation industry.”

The IAM is particularly concerned the consultation may prioritize consumer costs and corporate interests at the expense of the well-being of aviation workers. The union emphasizes that a balanced approach is necessary to protect both the interests of consumers and the livelihoods of the workers who are vital to the functioning of the air travel industry.

The IAM is committed to working collaboratively with government officials to ensure that the consultation outcomes are what’s best for aviation workers in Canada.

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For further information or media inquiries, please contact:
Frank Saptel
Communications Representative
International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW)
Phone: (416) 386-1789
Email: fsaptel@iamaw.org

Yesterday, Bill C-64, An Act Respecting Pharmacare, passed at third reading in the House of Commons.

“This is an historic victory for the labour movement,” said IAM Canadian General Vice-President David Chartrand. “I want to thank all the IAM political activists and members who took the time to email, write, and lobby their Members of Parliament (MP) in the effort to reach this historic milestone.”

Bill C-64 represents the biggest improvement in our health care system since the creation of public health care in Canada. This coverage for contraception and diabetes drugs and devices will provide Canadians some relief from the high cost of living, and help improve their overall health.

GVP Chartrand also added, “our work is not finished, we must continue in our efforts to ensure Bill C-64 is passed quickly by the Senate, and we must continue to lobby the federal government to implement a national single-payer Pharmacare program with coverage for a more comprehensive list of prescription drugs.”

Canada’s public healthcare system, brought in by the Liberal government in 1966 via the Medical Care Act, was only enacted by pressure from the NDP and Tommy Douglas, also known as the Father of Medicare.

“In recent decades, Canadian have seen cuts to Medicare by both the Liberals and the Conservatives. It’s crucial that IAM members remain vigilant and continue lobbying their MPs to preserve and improve our health care system,” said Derek Ferguson, Grand Lodge Representative assigned to Political Action. “It’s the only way we can make sure we have a robust health care system that we can leave to our children and grandchildren.”

NDP Member of Parliament for Victoria Laurel Collins stood up for workers in the House of Commons this week, speaking on behalf of the 27 Screening Officers at Victoria Airport who were unjustly terminated. She stated the Liberal are dropping the ball when it comes to protecting workers. She received an immediate response from Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan, who promised to look at the issue immediately.

On February 6 and 7, 2024, twenty-seven IAMAW Pre-Board Screening Officers at the Victoria International Airport, along with nine salaried employees were terminated by the third-party screening contractor – Allied Universal Security Services (AUS) following a directive from CATSA to remove the employees from the workplace.

The sub-contractor intended to return the affected employees to work with a corrective action plan which included training, after determining that their conduct, while it deviated from the Standard Operating Procedures, did not give rise to grounds for termination.

Despite the subcontractor’s intention to return the affected employees with a corrective action plan, CATSA intervened in the decision-making process, directing the immediate removal of all twenty-seven (27) Screening Officers and nine (9) salaried employees without conducting its own investigation.

Tania Canniff, IAMAW District Lodge 140 General Chairperson, expressed deep concern over the lack of procedural fairness, stating, “Twenty-seven families have lost their ability to earn a living without an appeal, and that is shameful. We need immediate intervention! We need the Transport Ministers office to intervene; reverse CATSA’s course of action and allow for the subcontractor to manage their employees accordingly. This would restore due process and allow our members to feel secure in their jobs.