Air Canada, IAMAW to return to the negotiating table

Air Canada and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW) have agreed to re-commence negotiations. The parties have agreed to a 10-day negotiation period to begin following the appointment of an arbitrator by the Minister of Labour in accordance with the provisions of the Protecting Air Service Act. Air Canada and the IAMAW will ask that the arbitrator facilitate the negotiations process pursuant to section 31 of the Act that allows for negotiations to take place. The IAMAW represents 8,600 mechanics, baggage handlers and cargo agents employed by Air Canada, and its collective agreement expired on March 31, 2011.