Air Canada: It’s time for a fair deal

Air Canada: It’s time for a fair deal

May 6, 2011 at 4:32 PM

At CAW Council held in Port Elgin April 29 to May 1, President Ken Lewenza recommended that all CAW locals fully support the bargaining committee and membership of Air Canada, Local 2002 as they go through yet another challenging round of negotiations with the employer.

"I am asking our members to fight for justice, fight for what you believe in and know that the union is working for you, and working hard,” said Ken Lewenza.

The Air Canada bargaining committee resumed negotiations and brought their economic proposals to the table on May 3, 2011.  CAW Economist Jim Stanford held the company’s undivided attention as he detailed how, more than any other group in this past decade, the customer sales and service agents at Air Canada have had their staffing levels slashed while providing significant productivity improvements. Their quality of work-life has been steadily deteriorating.

"It has been a decade of perpetual crisis in the airline industry and workers were not allowed to bargain normally, "explained Stanford.

Workers’ real wages have declined 10 per cent since 2000, while Air Canada’s CEOs have been paid tens of millions of dollars in compensation.  Robert Milton scooped $86 million in 10 years while the current CEO, Calin Rovinescu got a 76 per cent increase in 2010 (up from $2.58 million in 2009 to $4.55 million in 2010), $2.3 million more on appreciation of shares, guaranteed 1 per cent ownership of the company and a $5 million retention bonus (if he stays until March 2012). Hisdefined benefitpension has a $3.1 million accrued liability.

Rovinescu’s hourly wage is $1094.00 per hour (based on an 80 hour work week), but before you worry about him being overworked, compare his rate with an Air Canada CAW member’s hourly wage, which in real wages, has decreased over one per cent per year (over the last ten years).

"These payouts reflect the hypocrisy and misplaced priorities of Air Canada leadership,” concluded Stanford. "The airline’s financial situation has improved dramatically in the past year and it is clear that their employees are an integral part of that success. There is no economic or moral argument against CAW members making solid progress (in this contract).”

And people are talking! All across Canada, passengers in airports are asking about the yellow Fair Deal bracelets that agents are wearing and sharing with passengers, other workers and labour groups. It’s the gift that keeps on giving!

We must continue to spread the message across the country that this is our time for a fair deal!
Country-wide strike votes will take place from May 13 to May 19. Strike vote times and locations are posted on the web site.

 Voting YES means that you are voting for yourself and for your future.

In  solidarity,

Paul Janssen, Western Region
Dave Hoskins, Pacific Region
Vicky Xekominos, Central Region
Sylvia Rothlin, Central Region
Marcel Rondeau, Eastern Region
Christa Chaplin, Atlantic Region
Jamie Ross, President
Leslie Dias, CAW National Representative