Tuesday March 5, 2019
For Immediate Release
Toronto, ON – Contract proposals were exchanged between the IAM Technical Maintenance & Operational Support (TMOS) Bargaining Unit and Air Canada today.
“Make no mistake, the pension cap increase is a key element that needs to be resolved during these negotiations,” explained IAM Canadian General Vice President Stan Pickthall. “This is a priority as the current pension cap is an encroachment on their retirement income.”
The IAM and Air Canada negotiated a ten-year framework agreement in 2015/2016 which includes two (2) contract reopeners where both parties can exchange proposals for collective agreement improvements. This is the first of the two re-openers and the IAM will be seeking improvements to contract language, premiums, benefits and a pension cap increase.
Under terms of the agreement framework, the two sides have ninety days to bargain freely to reach a tentative agreement. If a tentative agreement is not obtainable, there is a process whereby the parties can proceed to mediation. Should the free collective bargaining and mediation processes fail the parties will then proceed to binding arbitration. Further meetings are planned for the remainder of this week.
The IAM is the largest union at Air Canada representing more than 10,000 members. It is also the largest union in Canada’s Air Transport Sector.
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For further information:
Stan Pickthall – IAM Canadian General Vice President
416-386-1789
Carlos DaCosta – IAM Airline Coordinator
416-386-1789 Ext #29/416-575-3492
Fred Hospes – IAM Transportation District Lodge 140 President & Directing General Chairperson
604-448-0721/778-829-8140
Bill Trbovich – IAM Director of Communications
416-386-1789 Ext #31/416-735-9765
Link to the Article from IAM Canada website: Pension Cap Increase is key element as Air Canada bargaining begins
