MONTREAL, June 17, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ – Air Canada said today that it along with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW) have received the decision of the arbitrator, Mr. Michel Picher, in the final offer selection arbitration conducted in accordance with the process legislated by the federal government in theProtecting Air Service Act.
The arbitrator’s selection of Air Canada’s final offer concludes a new collective agreement with the IAMAW following negotiations and mediated talks that took place over a period of 14 months. The five-year collective agreement is in effect until March 31, 2016.
The new collective agreement maintains the current defined benefit pension plan for current employees, introduces a new IAM multi-employer pension plan for new employees hired after today’s date, contributes to the reduction of the pension deficit and, as required by the legislation, establishes a protocol for the sustainability of the pension plan taking into account any short term funding pressures on the company.
The airline will not have further comment as details of the new collective agreement are being communicated to its employees.
The IAMAW represents 8,600 mechanics, baggage handlers and cargo agents employed by Air Canada.
Air Canada is Canada’s largest domestic and international airline serving more than 175 destinations on five continents. Canada’s flag carrier is the 15th largest commercial airline in the world and in 2011 served more than 33 million customers. Air Canada provides scheduled passenger service directly to 59 Canadian cities, 56 destinations in the United States and 63 cities in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, the Caribbean, Mexico and South America. Air Canada is a founding member of Star Alliance, the world’s most comprehensive air transportation network serving 1,290 destinations in 189 countries. In 2011, Air Canada was ranked Best International Airline inNorth America in a worldwide survey of more than 18 million airline passengers conducted by independent research firm Skytrax.
CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
Air Canada’s public communications may include forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements, by their nature, are based on assumptions and are subject to important risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements cannot be relied upon due to, amongst other things, changing external events and general uncertainties of the business. Actual results may differ materially from results indicated in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including without limitation, industry, market, credit and economic conditions, the ability to reduce operating costs and secure financing, pension issues, energy prices, employee and labour relations, currency exchange and interest rates, competition, war, terrorist acts, epidemic diseases, environmental factors (including weather systems and other natural phenomena and factors arising from man-made sources), insurance issues and costs, changes in demand due to the seasonal nature of the business, supply issues, changes in laws, regulatory developments or proceedings, pending and future litigation and actions by third parties as well as the factors identified throughout Air Canada’s public disclosure file available at www.sedar.com. Any forward-looking statements contained in this news release represent Air Canada’s expectations as of date of this news release and are subject to change after such date. However, Air Canada disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable securities regulations.
For further information:
Contacts :
Isabelle Arthur (Montréal) 514 422-5788
Peter Fitzpatrick (Toronto) 416 263-5576
Angela Mah (Vancouver) 604 270-5741
Internet : aircanada.com
Link to press release: http://cnw.ca/nVb0m
