February 11, 2011 at 6:00 PM
The Bargaining Committee along with CAW National President Ken Lewenza, Peggy Nash – Assistant to the President, and Leslie Dias – National Representative met with Company officials today to exchange contract proposals and formally open bargaining.
As reported yesterday through several media sources, Air Canada’s chief executive officer Calin Rovinescu announced that the Company will distribute a special cash bonus to members. This bonus will put $500 in each members’ pocket – a payout that was previously bargained during the last round of negotiations as part of the pension moratorium if the company met certain financial targets. A second bonus – paid on behalf of Air Canada’s Board of Directors – will be given to members in the form of shares at a later date.
"We wanted to ensure that should the Company’s future turn around, our members would be financially recognized," said Leslie Dias.
Following today’s talks, the Union and Company have arranged to reconvene on February 21st in Toronto. The Bargaining Committee have already planned to meet next week to prepare for the next set of meetings.
As always, we will continue to update you as the bargaining process continues.
In Solidarity,
Your Air Canada Bargaining Committee,
Paul Janssen, Bargaining Chairperson, Western Region
Dave Hoskins, Pacific Region
Vicky Xekominos, Central Region
Marcel Rondeau, Eastern Region
Christa Chaplin, Atlantic Region
Jamie Ross, Local 2002 President