Air Canada withdraws application for judicial review

Air Canada withdraws application for judicial review

October 26, 2011 at 3:00 PM

Following a constructive discussion with between CAW President, Ken Lewenza and Air Canada CEO Calin Rovinescu, Air Canada has decided to withdraw their application for judicial review.

Air Canada was seeking to overturn the arbitration award of Mr. Burkett in which the company agreed to the CAW’s proposal for a hybrid pension plan for new hire employees of Air Canada.

This about-face was a slap in the face for Air Canada customer service employees who, in good faith, had returned to work after a three day strike, confident that the future of new hire’s pensions would be resolved in arbitration/mediation. 

Air Canada’s attempt to renege on the final and binding decision of the arbitrator left the union membership wondering if in fact, the company could be trusted to honour other agreements.
 
On October 20, CAW President Ken Lewenza wrote to Calin Rovenescu saying, "There are few other employer decisions which I can identify as being as harmful and destructive to a collective bargaining relationship as this decision…. the company’s current legal action is unprecedented in character and should be withdrawn.”

Local 2002 membership were primed and prepared to rise up in support of their union.  Job action was averted when CAW President, Ken Lewenza and Air Canada CEO Calin Rovinescu entered into constructive and respectful discussions resulting in the withdrawal of the application.

"This isn’t rocket science,” commented Local 2002 President Jamie Ross. "When you treat others as you would like to be treated, with respect, issues get resolved."