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| IAM members visit the Canadian Parliament to speak out against a bill that would make it easier to outsource Canadian aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul work. |
The IAM is continuing to offer common-sense alternatives to a bill moving through the Canadian Parliament that threatens the job security of highly-skilled aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) technicians.
“As it stands, the act endangers the livelihood of the Canadian MRO industry,” said Fred Hospes, IAM Transportation District 140 President and Directing General Chairperson.
Bill C-10, the Air Canada Public Participation Act, would allow Air Canada to conduct as much, or as little, aircraft maintenance in Canada as it wants.
“Our suggested amendments force Air Canada to back up its vague promises of future jobs while protecting the current industry and securing future employment,” said IAM Canadian General Vice President Stan Pickthall.
More than 16 IAM delegates met with a Senate committee Monday to propose amendments requiring Air Canada to maintain minimum levels of work in Canada. The IAM also proposed establishing “centers of excellence” in Quebec and Manitoba which will generate nearly 1,200 new jobs within the next 15 years.
The Senate did not adopt the IAM’s changes, but the bill will receive a third reading.
“We hope that the chamber of sober second thought will amend the bill to preserve good jobs and secure the Canadian MRO industry,” said Hospes.
In May, the House ignored IAM recommendations and passed the bill without change.
The IAM is the largest union in Canada’s air transport sector and the largest union at Air Canada, representing 8,000 workers.
