December 4, 2008 at 12:00 AM
The CAW has been put on notice earlier today that Aeroplan is distributing letters to members in the Montreal and Vancouver offices.
These letters are offering employment in Aeroplan or directing members to fill out Transfer Request forms by January 16, 2009 to transfer into an Air Canada location.
The CAW has had no input into these letters or prior knowledge of the company's intent to issue them. The CAW, Air Canada, and Aeroplan have had several meetings on this topic. Since we couldn't get a favourable solution on behalf of our members, Aeroplan has decided to put them out.
This unilateral, premature action is obviously designed to create maximum anxiety and disruption to our members. We strongly recommend that members not sign anything until we have had an opportunity to evaluate our legal options.
We remain committed and determined to bargaining a separation agreement that protects the rights of all our members.
We will keep you posted as the situation evolves.