For Immediate Release
CENTENNIAL, Colo. – December 11, 2024 – 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) and related trade groups from Calm Air, who approached AMFA seeking representation in June this year. Yesterday, the CIRB officially certified AMFA as the bargaining agent at Calm Air of the skilled unit.
"There is a major trade-specific labor movement occurring in North America 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.”
“We are excited to welcome the Calm Air AME and skilled trade group. We are honored to give these professionals a voice as stakeholders and to help them take control of their destiny through democratic representation,” stated Oestreich. “AMFA is the first and only craft-specific union to represent this skilled trade workgroup in Canada. This is a critical time in the craft/trade labor movement to further the growth of AMFA and to be part of the family in representing Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Horizon Air, L3 Harris MAS, Spirit Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, WestJet Airlines, and now add Calm Air to the honorary list.”
This is AMFA’s third successful 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 domestic and international destinations. There are approximately 17,000 AMEs in Canada that require a union to advocate for trade-specific values and interests. Several other airlines, maintenance repair operation facilities, and the Aerospace and Defense Contractors across Canada are currently seeking representation by AMFA.
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The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association is a craft-oriented, independent aviation union representing licensed and unlicensed Aircraft Maintenance Technicians/Engineers and skilled trade groups 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/engineers 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.
