For Immediate Release
CENTENNIAL, Colo. – October 9, 2024 – The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) continues to expand its footprint in Canada as Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs) and skilled trade groups at Calm Air have sought union representation with AMFA.
Following successful certifications at L3 Harris MAS in 2022 and WestJet in 2023, AMFA proudly announces that after a grassroots organizing effort, the union filed a representation request with the Canada Industrial Relations Board on October 7, 2024, for AMEs and skilled trades at Calm Air.
“For too long, AME’s worth and relevance have been pushed aside and their wages stifled because they’ve been lumped with larger workgroups in the same bargaining units,” says AMFA National President Bret Oestreich. “AMFA is different. We aim to be the voice for AMEs and skilled trade groups to raise their recognition and standards. To break the shackles of antiquated industry ‘norms’ that have historically kept them under the heel of management and industrial unions who favor the unskilled majority. With AMFA, AMEs will be recognized throughout Canada for their skills and responsibilities in certifying aircraft airworthiness under the highest safety standards.”
Oestreich emphasized the need for dedicated, specialized bargaining for AMEs, stating: “AMEs and skilled trade groups deserve focused representation that can address their specific concerns, including work rules and enforcement of collective bargaining agreements. AMFA is honored to advocate for the professionals at Calm Air and help them achieve a standard that reflects their expertise.”
Oestreich highlighted how AMFA’s broader mission can help the AMEs at Calm Air: “AMFA is the only ‘one-craft, one-union’ focused exclusively on promoting, elevating, and unifying AMEs/AMTs in the airline industry.”
Calm Air is a full-service airline headquartered in Winnipeg, offering passenger charter and freight services in northern Manitoba and the Kivalliq Region of Nunavut. The airline, founded in 1962, provides scheduled and charter air transport for passengers and cargo to more than 15 destinations in Canada. As of October 2024, Calm Air operates a fleet of 15 aircraft and has a code-sharing agreement with Canadian North.
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The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association is a craft-oriented, independent aviation union representing licensed technicians/engineers and unlicensed related skilled employees actively involved in the aviation industry. These employees work directly on aircraft and/or components, support equipment, and facilities. AMFA is committed to elevating the professional standing of technicians and achieving progressive improvements in wages, benefits, and working conditions of the skilled professionals it represents. For more information about AMFA, visit www.amfanational.org.
