Aircraft Maintenance Engineers and Skilled Trade Groups at Air Canada
Seek Representation by AMFA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bret Oestreich, National President
Phone: (720) 744–6628
Email: bret.oestreich@amfanatl.org
CENTENNIAL, Colo. — March 2, 2023 — The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) continues to expand its footprint in Canada as Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs) and skilled trade groups at Air Canada recently sought union representation with AMFA.
AMFA was first certified as the bargaining agent in Canada last year at L3 Harris MAS. In January, AMFA filed an application with the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) seeking representation of the AMEs at WestJet Airlines, and today filed after another grassroots organizing campaign for the AMEs and skilled trade groups at Air Canada.
“For decades, the needs of AMEs and skilled trade groups have been pushed to the side and their wages stifled by other larger workgroups lumped together in the same bargaining units,” says AMFA National President Bret Oestreich. “AMFA is different. It continues to be the voice to promote, elevate, and unify Aircraft Maintenance Technicians/Engineers and skilled airline trade groups in North America as the only ‘one-craft union.’”
Oestreich says that Air Canada AMEs and skilled trade groups feel their trade requires distinct, focused bargaining that can address the deteriorating work rules and suppressed wages in their craft. AMFA points to a wage comparison to show the need for the carrier to recognize the importance of these highly skilled professionals to its operations and public trust.
As well, Oestreich says that Air Canada AMEs and skilled trade groups feel they require a distinct bargaining unit to address skill, training, licensing requirements, and legal responsibilities associated with the certification of aircraft airworthiness.
“AMFA is honored to have the opportunity to represent and advocate for this professional group.”
Air Canada is the largest airline in Canada by size and passengers carried. The airline, founded in 1937, provides scheduled and charter air transport for passengers and cargo to more than 200 destinations worldwide. As of January 2023, Air Canada and rouge operates a fleet of 233 aircraft, all Airbus and Boeing.
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The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association is a craft oriented, independent aviation union. AMFA represents licensed and unlicensed technicians and related employees actively involved in the aviation industry. These technicians and related employees work directly on aircraft and/or components, support equipment, and facilities. AMFA is committed to elevating the professional standing of technicians and to achieving progressive improvements in wages, benefits, and working conditions of the skilled folks it represents. For more information about AMFA visit www.amfanational.org.
