Canadian North and First Air Members – Merger Update for November 15, 2019

Canadian North and First Air Members – Merger Update for November 15, 2019

November 15, 2019 at 5:19 PM
Since our discussions with the Company in September 2019, we can report to the members that both parties have come to an agreement that there would be no reduction in our bargaining units (7F and 5T) in any of the work locations that we service. We also agreed on the integration of the workforce by signing the Memorandum of Agreements (MOA’s). MOA’s have been signed for each community base, including main airport bases throughout the new Canadian North system.
 
Since the new flying schedule was implemented on November 1st, 2019, we have been faced with several challenges, some of those challenges pertain to the differences in the two collective agreements (7F & 5T) particularly in the scheduling language. We do recognize that this has been very frustrating for our members and we are committed to resolving these matters.  
 
The Union will be meeting with the Company to discuss how best to solve these issues in late November and to ensure that we honour both collective agreements under one Employer, until such time that both parties have bargained one collective agreement.
 
We would like to update our members on what has transpired thus far;
  • On September 30th, Canadian North Inc. filed an application with the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to amalgamate the bargaining units as a result of the sale of a business between Bradley Air Services Limited (operating as "First Air") and Canadian North Inc. This amalgamation will bring together the Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs) under a single unionized bargaining unit, pursuant to sections 18.1, 44, and 45 of the Canada Labour Code, Part I, R.S.C. 1985, c. L-2 (the "Code").
  • A share purchase agreement was signed on September 28, 2018, for the sale of Canadian North to First Air. The jointly formed company – utilizing the 'Canadian North' operating name and First Air's inukshuk as its logo – officially began joint operations on November 1, 2019.
  • MOA’s have been signed for Cape Dorset, Qikiqtarjuaq, Igloolik, Cambridge Bay, Kugaaruk, Gjoa Haven, Taloyoak, Pangnirtung, Hall Beach, Ottawa, Iqaluit, Yellowknife, Inuvik, Cargo/Ramp Attendant duties and functions with Unifor/GAFAE/Non-Unionized Ramp.
 
Unifor is committed to keeping you informed of all events and discussions as they happen. Please ensure you have subscribed to e-news at www.unifor2002.org.
 
In solidarity,
Theresa Amicarelli, Assistant to the Local 2002 President
[email protected]