Legislation to End Air Canada Labour Dispute Deadlock Passes Senate
March 15 2012 - 5:28PM
Marketwired
Today, the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Canada's Labour Minister,
announced that Bill C-33, entitled "An Act to provide for the
continuation and resumption of air service operations," was passed
in the Senate. The bill puts an end to labour disputes between Air
Canada and the International Association of Machinists and
Aerospace Workers (IAMAW), and Air Canada and the Air Canada Pilots
Association (ACPA).
"Our government's top priority is economic recovery and growth,"
said Minister Raitt. "We simply cannot afford to have flights
grounded as this would translate into lost opportunities for
Canadian businesses and stranded travellers."
Bill C-33 passed the House of Commons on March 14, 2012, and
could come into effect after receiving Royal Assent. The
legislation will ensure continuing air services and send all
unresolved issues to binding arbitration.
"Our government took swift action to ensure that Canada's
economy isn't negatively affected and that Canadians across the
country who rely on air services are not unduly impacted," said
Minister Raitt. "Canadians gave our government a strong mandate to
focus on the economy and that is what we are doing."
The IAMAW represents a unit of approximately 8 200 employees
engaged in technical, maintenance and operational support
functions, whose current collective agreement expired on March 31,
2011. As for the ACPA, it represents 3 000 pilots, whose current
collective agreement also expired March 31, 2011.
This news release is available in alternative formats upon
request.
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Contacts: Ashley Kelahear Press Secretary Office of Minister
Raitt 819-953-5646 Media Relations Office Human Resources and
Skills Development Canada 819-994-5559