April 21, 2011 at 9:00 PM
Earlier today, more than 100 CAW members from Air Canada openly took their frustrations to management by rallying together outside of Montreal International Airport. The peacefully, but highly invigorated members, were protesting Air Canada’s negligence at the bargaining table, as well as the excessive five million dollar retention bonus awarded to Company CEO, Calin Rovinescu; this in light of Air Canada wanting to claw away at members’ pension plan once again.
"The workers are re-energized and are ready to fight; they are ready to fight for their rights and ready to fight for their pensions," said CAW Local 2002 President Jamie Ross. "This Company must be accountable to its employees who have open-handedly given back in an effort to keep Air Canada viable. It’s too bad that its CEO cannot see the bigger picture here.”
Marcel Rondeau, Eastern Region bargaining representative commented, "We gave in 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006. In 2009 we helped this Company by agreeing to a 21-month pension moratorium. Enough is enough! Now it’s our turn!”
Jean-Pierre Fortin, CAW’s Quebec Director also attended today’s rally to show his support for his fellow brothers and sisters. "Local 2002 is a major Local within the CAW, and the actions of this Company are completely unacceptable,” said Mr. Fortin. "We will stand together and demand that you are treated fairly.”
Negotiations between CAW and Air Canada are scheduled to resume in Toronto at the end of the month.
To view photos from today's rally, please click here
For more information, please contact:
CAW Local 2002