For Immediate Release
April 2, 2021
Toronto, ON – Today’s announcement from Air Canada regarding the cancellation of the acquisition of
Air Transat comes unexpectedly. From our understanding, the Company’s offer was not approved by the
European Commission, making it clear that the acquisition will not go forward. IAM Canadian General
Vice-President Stan Pickthall stated, “We certainly weren’t expecting this type of announcement as a
start to a holiday long weekend!”
The IAM has kept a close watch on developments as any decision impacts members who work in both
airlines. We will continue monitoring the situation, and will work closely with the Representatives and
Locals involved to see how things proceed,” commented Pickthall. “It is encouraging that the Minister of
Transport, Omar Alghabra, is placing a priority on protecting jobs in Quebec and Canada, including
ensuring the viability of Air Transat and the Canadian airline sector. Protecting jobs is of the utmost
importance to the IAM, and we call on the federal government once again to act quickly and provide aid
to this industry, and be consistent with their goals.”
GVP Pickthall added that, “The IAM has been continuously lobbying the federal government for support
for the aviation industry over the past year, and we are still waiting for something to be presented.
Whatever form that takes, we will continue to insist that any support must benefit the workers across
the industry and all airlines, including both Air Canada and Air Transat employees.”
Fred Hospes, President and Directing General Chairperson (PDGC) of IAM District 140 concurred, ‘I’ve
had preliminary discussions with our General Chairpersons across the country, and we will be
discussing this further over the weekend. The IAM is absolutely committed to continuing our work and
representing our members at both airlines during the coming weeks.”
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW) is Canada’s largest union
representing aviation, airlines, airports and aerospace workers. The union represents over 20,000
members in the air transportation sector across Canada.
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