October 1, 2020 at 5:45 PM
Earlier today, union leaders from Unifor, the Air Canada Pilots Association (ACPA) and Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) convened at a joint press conference in Toronto urging Federal and Provincial governments to take immediate action and provide much needed support to Canada’s struggling aviation sector.
Jerry Dias, National President of Unifor, Robert Giguere, CEO of the Air Canada Pilots Association (ACPA) and Tim Perry, Canadian President of the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) are looking for governmental assistance to keep Canada’s aviation sector intact. Specifically, the leaders are calling for $7 billion of direct financial support in the form of loan guarantees, as well as direct financial aid tied to air services (an amount equivalent to what other countries have provided to their own aviation sector where the top 20 airlines reside). Part of the ‘ask’ is in the form of funds to develop the evolving quarantine and testing plan that aligns with science and ensures safety to both workers and the traveling public.
In an open letter to the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Finance and the Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, Union leaders envision sight that:
"Canada needs a plan to ensure the aviation industry is able to weather this storm and come out the other side intact. Any recovery strategy must focus on three main pillars: an industry-specific corporate support package that ensures benefits flow through to workers and communities, continued government support programs for furloughed employees until recovery is secured, and an updated approach to border controls that is rigorous, safe and reflects scientific evidence."
As Unifor 2002 members know all too well, the global pandemic has had a disastrous impact on working conditions, which has directly impacted personal and family circumstances. The drop in capacity due to the lack of demand brought on by travel restrictions has led to an unprecedented number of workers who have been laid off or furloughed. With no end in sight, action is required now.
"Canada needs to step up and support its industry like most other countries," stated Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. "There really is no more time to waste. We need urgent funds for the aviation sector or there won’t be Canadian airlines, and that will cost us all much more," Dias continued.
To read the complete joint press release, please click here.
/20-10-01 aviation union leaders demand action en.txt