TO ALL MEMBERS OF THE IAMAW
Aveos Insolvency
Dear Sisters and Brothers:
By now, most people should be aware that Aveos has declared that they are totally insolvent and that all Aveos employees are terminated.
At this time, there are many more questions than answers. All questions are being compiled and we are working on a Question and Answer page for the website.
Due to Aveos’s declaration of insolvency, the court process has been modified and we do not have a confirmed date for further hearings regarding their bankruptcy at this time.
The process at the Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) regarding the question of Essential Services and the Health and Safety of the travelling public is on hold for now.
General Vice President Ritchie and I attended the CIRB hearings and appeared in front of the Senate on March 14 to express our dismay at the way Bill C-33, which does not allow us to exercise our legal right to strike, is weighted heavily in favour of Air Canada.
It is the IAMAW’s intention to challenge the legality of Bill C-33.
Contract negotiations with Air Canada on behalf of TMOS employees are stalled for now. The Company claims that they are not able to deal with the issues as access to their offices are blocked by Aveos employees protesting on the base road in Montreal.
There is a continuing arbitration process regarding Air Canada’s outsourcing of aircraft maintenance phase checks. The latest order from Arbitrator Teplitsky dated March 21 has allowed Air Canada to outsource three aircraft. It is the opinion of the IAMAW that our members have the ability to do this work and we will continue to fight to make sure that it remains our work. Additional hearings are scheduled for April 9, 10 and 11.
All levels of the Union have many issues to deal with at this time. We will do our best to keep you apprised of the situation as things change.
In solidarity,
Chuck Atkinson
President and Directing General Chairperson
