For Immediate Release

Aircraft Maintenance Engineers in Canada Seek Representation by AMFA

CENTENNIAL, Colo. – September 14, 2022 – The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) is happy to announce the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) authorized and ordered a representation vote for the Canadian Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs) from L3 Harris Technologies MAS Inc. at CFB  Trenton, who approached AMFA seeking representation in July this year.

"This is the start of a new chapter for both AMFA and the AMEs in Canada,” said Bret Oestreich, AMFA National President. “The needs of skilled AMEs have been pushed to the side by other larger workgroups in other bargaining units for too long. AMFA is the solution to promote, elevate, and unify our skilled profession as the only ‘one-craft union’ for aircraft maintenance technicians and engineers across North America.”

“The L3 Harris professionals feel that the aircraft maintenance trade requires distinct consideration at the bargaining table to address skill, training, licensing requirements, and legal responsibilities associated with the certification of aircraft airworthiness. AMFA is honored to have opportunity to represent this group."

"The CIRB granting this vote confirms these professionals are seeking to replace their current bargaining agent, and a majority have shown interest in AMFA,” said Oestreich. “We now wait for the CIRB to start the representation vote for the L3 Harris employees to cast a vote for a new trade union – AMFA."

“The L3 Harris AMEs and apprentices are a distinct, federally regulated trade group responsible for the repair and certification of the CC150 Polaris aircraft fleet as well as air-to-air refueling aircraft and the Prime Minister’s aircraft. The group is currently represented by the IAM, within which AMEs are a minority and positions such as aircraft baggage handlers and clerical workers are seeking comparable compensation, despite the AMEs’ higher education and federally regulated responsibility,” stated Oestreich. “We are excited to welcome the AMEs and technicians in Canada to trade unionism.”

This is AMFA’s first attempt at representing a trade group in Canada, where there are more than 100 Aerospace and Defense Contractors and approximately 550 licensed air carriers transporting passengers and cargo to destinations both domestic and international. There are approximately 17,000 AMEs in Canada that require a union advocating for trade-specific value and interests. Several other airlines, maintenance repair operation facilities, and the Aerospace and Defense Contractors across North America are currently seeking representation by AMFA.

###

The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association is a craft oriented, independent aviation union. AMFA represents licensed and unlicensed technicians and related employees actively involved in the aviation industry. These technician and related employees work directly on aircraft and/or components, support equipment, and facilities. AMFA is committed to elevating the professional standing of technicians and to achieving progressive improvements in wages, benefits, and working conditions of the skilled folks it represents. For more information about AMFA visit www.amfanational.org.