November 29, 2024

Welcome, Calm Air AMEs and Skilled Trade Groups:

Today, the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) released the results of a representational vote for the maintenance bargaining unit at Calm Air, with AMFA winning by an overwhelming majority.  AMFA’s official status as certified bargaining representative will be confirmed by the Board in the coming weeks.  Your skilled trade groups demonstrated unity, tenacity, and great technical insight.  Thanks to your vote, you can now be confident that you are in control of your own destiny as we strive to improve your working conditions, workplace culture, and aviation safety standards.

You should be extremely proud of your accomplishments thus far in your grassroots organizing and choice of AMFA as your union representative. You all have been through a lot these last years, and we look forward to helping you control your own destiny and fix the many problems you have expressed. AMFA is honored to represent you at Calm Air.  The focus of AMFA will be to build the craft-trade, highlighting and recognizing the importance of our skilled trade across Canada. Canada is among the most prosperous countries in the world and has a vast unionized workforce that includes more than 100 aerospace and defense contractors and commercial air carriers.  You are part of a trade-specific labor movement, and many skilled trade groups seek a trade-specific union, the governance of which is controlled by skilled professionals.  You now own that.

You have a volunteer Calm Air transition team in place, including an Interim AMFA-Calm Air Airline Representative (ALR), who will be your group's main point of contact. The AMFA-Calm Air ALR oversees the enforcement of your status quo work rules, pay, retirement, and benefits. The ALR will be assisted by Interim Area Representative(s) who help the ALR on the floor as well as Interim Shop Representative(s) who administer communications. While we are in this transition period, we are optimistic that Calm Air management will maintain its professionalism by respecting its obligation to take no unilateral action concerning your working conditions without first negotiating with your collective representative. If issues do arise, please stay professional, perform your work assignment, and notify AMFA of any improper company action. We will soon be scheduling a meeting with management.

In the upcoming weeks, you will also be receiving a Digital New Member Package containing an Application for Membership. We will also be conducting nominations and elections for your Calm Air ALR and other union positions.

We thank you for your support. Be sure to call us if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Bret Oestreich
National President