Air Canada talks continue

THE union representing Air Canada’s 8,600 cargo agents, baggage handlers and mechanics will return to the bargaining table after its members rejected a tentative contract agreement.

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW) is however requesting a new mediator.

Despite frustration amongst its members IAMAW has no plans to issue a 72-hour strike notice to coincide with the expiry of a cooling-off period on 15 March, Chuck Atkinson, president of IAMAW district lodge 140, comments.

Almost 66 per cent of IAMAW members voted against a tentative four-year contract deal the union had negotiated with Air Canada. The proposed four-year contract provided wage increases, improved benefits and secured a defined benefit pension fund for workers.

“The message from our membership was quite clear that they’re not happy with the proposal and so therefore they’ve given us a mandate to return to the table and get more,” Atkinson adds.