Hello Team Ornge:

On February 24, 2026, the Canada Industrial Relations Board ("Board") ordered a representation vote between AMFA and the OPEIU to determine which union will represent the maintenance employees at Ornge. The Board’s Industrial Relations Officer has recently indicated that the vote will open on March 11, 2026. Voting links will be sent directly to each employee’s company email address. AMFA encourages everyone to vote early in case there are issues with the voting links.

The OPEIU has filed an unfair labour practice complaint with the Board asking that it pause the vote or seal the results, in response to the company’s implementation of a policy requiring maintenance employees to complete pre-flight walk-around checks. The OPEIU alleges that the changed procedures violate the recently established Maintenance of Activities Agreement between the company and the union. It also alleges that the changes violate the “freeze” provisions of the Canada Labour Code that prevent the company from changing the terms of employment when there is a pending application for certification. Despite providing zero evidence to support its claim, the OPEIU submits that the company has implemented these policies to “place its thumb on the scales” in favour of AMFA.

Make no mistake, a change to work responsibilities during a freeze period is an important issue that ought to be addressed both through bargaining and complaints filed with the Board. The lack of documentation in the changed walk-around procedures also appears to be inconsistent with CARs and best practices for aircraft maintenance. These issues, however, do not justify any delay of the representation vote. AMFA has a long track record of zealously representing its members and has secured industry-leading contracts both in Canada and the United States. We have extensive experience working with the Board and will continue to ensure that the representative change process unfolds appropriately, despite the OPEIU's request.

AMFA will pursue intervenor status in the complaint and will oppose the delay sought by the OPEIU.  We will keep you updated on the voting process and associated timelines.  In the meantime, please remain patient as the Board completes the certification process, and continue to uphold the highest level of professionalism in the execution of your duties as we work through this process together.

Ian Evershed
Region IV Director, AMFA National