February 28, 2026
Despite legal stall tactics pursued by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW) and delayed decisions by the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB), Air Canada TechOps employees have refused to remain silent. Last week, TechOps employees submitted a petition to the IAMAW bearing the names and signatures of 1637 current union members, demanding a pause to negotiations until the current representation dispute has been settled. This petition confirms the undeniable reality of last year’s representation election.
In May of 2025, TechOps employees voted overwhelmingly in favour of AMFA in an election ordered by the CIRB following its fragmentation of the Technical Maintenance and Operational Support (TMOS) group at Air Canada. Sensing that they had lost their hold on the newly established TechOps unit, the IAMAW pulled all available legal levers, including a request to seal the results of the vote pending the outcome of a judicial review before the Federal Court of Appeal. The judicial review itself has now been paused, while the CIRB completes the reconsideration process that the IAMAW has filed in a desperate attempt to reverse the Board’s original fragmentation order. The system is being manipulated by the IAMAW to prolong the inevitable
Although not yet certified as your bargaining representative, AMFA continues to advocate on your behalf in these matters. We thank you for your support as we bring your voice to the CIRB, the Federal Court of Appeals and the office of the Minister of Labour. Your petition has been circulated and presented to all interested parties as we pursue a rightful and just outcome.
As these events unfold, AMFA will deliver updates on those proceedings where we are involved. In the meantime, we ask you to remain vigilant and professional in all that you do. The current situation is frustrating to say the least, especially for those on the front lines of the operation. AMFA reminds you to stay focused on your primary responsibility: Safety first, always.
Ian Evershed
Region IV Director
