Unifor's Vigorous Fight for Jazz Members

Unifor has expressed its commitment to fight vigorously for the Jazz aviation members affected by the layoffs. Unifor National President Lana Payne emphasized that companies like Air Canada cannot be cavalier about introducing new contracts and expecting the union to remain passive.

Unifor's Vigorous Fight for Jazz Members
Photo by John McArthur / Unsplash
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Unifor's Vigorous Fight for Jazz Members

Unifor has expressed its commitment to fight vigorously for the Jazz aviation members affected by the layoffs. Unifor National President Lana Payne emphasized that companies like Air Canada cannot be cavalier about introducing new contracts and expecting the union to remain passive. She insisted that the members, who are dedicated to their jobs, deserve respect and acknowledgment.

Details of the Layoffs

The layoffs are a result of staffing changes initiated by Jazz Aviation due to alterations in Air Canada's schedule. The changes are as follows:

  • Happy Valley-Goose Bay: 13 job losses, with Jazz Aviation ceasing all services in this area.
  • Gander: A reduction of 16 positions.
  • Deer Lake: A substantial cut with 25 job losses.

Starting November 1, PAL Airlines will join the fold, providing aviation services under the Air Canada Express banner, a role currently held by Halifax-based Jazz Aviation.

Unifor is actively filing grievances and seeking legal advice on the potential contravention of labour standards legislation. The union is also scrutinizing the capacity purchase agreement (CPA), which outlines how Air Canada delegates a portion of its business to other entities. Unifor remains open to dialogue, aiming to find a resolution that benefits both the company and the affected members.

Reactions from Unifor Local 2002

Tammy Moore, the president of Unifor Local 2002, described the news of the layoffs as "devastating," affecting not only the individuals directly impacted but the entire Jazz membership. Moore praised the Jazz members for their dedication and significant contribution to the success of both Jazz and Air Canada over decades. She affirmed Unifor's resolve to fight the decision using all available resources.

About Unifor

Unifor represents 16,000 members in the aviation sector across Canada, including nearly 2,000 members from Jazz Aviation who work in various capacities such as customer service, aircraft maintenance, and crew scheduling. As Canada's largest union in the private sector, Unifor advocates for working people and their rights, promoting equality and social justice both in Canada and globally.

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