Machinists Take Air Canada to Court!
Union says company breached Air Canada Public Participation Act
Thursday March 17, 2011
For Immediate Release
Toronto, ON – The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers and its Canadian General Vice President Dave Ritchie today, filed an application in the Ontario Superior Court against Air Canada.
The suit charges that Air Canada has breached the Air Canada Public Participation Act by not maintaining operational and aircraft overhaul centres in Winnipeg, Montréal and Mississauga. The application also contends that pursuant to the Canadian Business Corporations Act, Air Canada is not in compliance with its articles of continuance because it is not maintaining operational and aircraft overhaul centres in the aforementioned communities.
As of July 14, 2011, Air Canada will no longer carry out maintenance and overhaul work at these three material centres using Air Canada employees represented by the IAMAW. On that date, these overhaul centres will be operated by Aveos Fleet Incorporated using persons employed by Aveos and not by Air Canada.
The application requests that the court issue a declaration that such a breach has occurred and an order restraining such a breach pursuant to section 247 of the CBCA.
The IAMAW is the largest union at Air Canada representing more than 12,200 workers and Mr. Ritchie is a shareholder.
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For further information:
Dave Ritchie – IAMAW General Vice President
416-386-1789 Ext #6323
Bill Trbovich – IAMAW Director of Communications
417-386-1789 ext #6331/416-735-9765
