Air Canada union threatens job action

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW), representing Air Canada’s airline’s approximately 8,600 mechanics, baggage handlers and cargo agents in Canada, has told the airline that that it intends to begin labour action starting at 12:01 a.m. ET on Monday March 12. Air Canada admits that the “notice of strike action in the midst of the peak March Break travel period will cause uncertainty for thousands of our customers,”but that it remains hopeful that a settlement will be reached in time to prevent any work disruption. Air Canada’s Executive VP and CEO Duncan Dee said the move by IAMAW union members to reject Air Canada’s latest offer was “disappointing”in light of the union bargaining committee’s recommendation to accept the mediated settlement. In the meantime, Air Canada continues to operate its normal schedule without disruption, but the airline says that due to the expected high volume of calls at its call centres, wait times will be long. To avoid waiting, Air Canada recommends customers and agents consult its website, aircanada.com, which will continue to be updated with the latest information on the situation. In addition, aircanada.com offers self-service tools that can be used for making bookings, checking-in for flights and rebooking flights in case a flight is delayed or cancelled for reasons such as bad weather.