Friday February 10, 2012
For Immediate Release
Toronto, ON – The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, representing Technical Maintenance and Operation Support workers, have reached a tentative agreement with Air Canada.
“This agreement represents a huge amount of hard work by our bargaining team under extremely trying circumstances,” explained IAM District Lodge 140 President and General Chairperson Chuck Atkinson. “The Committee had to bargain hard for everything they got, the final part of the process was completed under Conciliation. Now it’s up to the membership, they will make the final decision to either accept or reject the tentative agreement at upcoming ratification meetings.”
The proposed four-year agreement provides wage and premium increases, improved benefits and secures a Defined Benefit Pension Fund for the members.
Technical Maintenance and Operational Support is comprised of three divisions at Air Canada, including Technical Operations (Tech-Ops), Airports and Cargo Operations and Logistics and Supply. IAM members in the Tech Ops division are concentrated in the Line maintenance servicing of all of Air Canada’s aircraft at bases across Canada. They consist of Line Maintenance Technicians, Electrical Technicians, Inspectors, Technical Writers, Planners and Instructors, Millwrights and Auto Technicians.
IAM members employed in Airports and Cargo Operations consist of Station Attendants, (baggage and cargo handlers), Aircraft Cleaners, Baggage and Cargo Agents, and Weight and Balance Agents and Training Instructors.
IAM members employed in Logistics and Supply are responsible for the procurement, storage and handling of all purchases made on behalf of the airline as well as the distribution of parts and supplies.
Bargaining for IAM members in the Finance and Clerical divisions of Air Canada have yet to be completed. The IAM is the largest union at Air Canada representing more than 8,800 workers.
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For further information:
Chuck Atkinson – IAM District Lodge 140 President and General Chairperson
905-671-3192/416-833-8140
Bill Trbovich – IAM Director of Communications
416-386-1789 ext#6331/416-735-9765
