For Immediate Release
CENTENNIAL, Colo. – May 7, 2025 – Today, the Canada Industrial Relations Board (“the Board”) authorized a representation vote for approximately 2,250 maintenance employees at Air Canada.
As part of its order, the Board approved the fragmentation of the existing Technical, Maintenance, and Operational Support (TMOS) Bargaining Unit. While noting their general preference for broad-based units, the Board stated it “rarely grants such fragmentations,” but found that “fragmenting the existing bargaining unit is appropriate in the specific circumstances of this case.”
After approving the fragmentation of the TMOS Unit, the Board found that the following bargaining unit would be appropriate for collective bargaining:
All Air Canada Technical Services Business Unit employees, excluding employees in the Airport & Cargo Operations Business Unit and the Logistics & Supply Business Unit and all management positions.
“For decades, Aircraft Maintenance Engineers and skilled trade groups have been overlooked, their wages and priorities overshadowed by larger workgroups within broad bargaining units,” said AMFA National President Bret Oestreich. "AMFA stands apart. We are the only craft/trade-specific union solely focused on promoting, elevating, and unifying Aircraft Maintenance Technicians, Engineers, and related skilled trade groups across North America.”
Board representation votes are conducted on an expedited basis. AMFA anticipates that the vote at Air Canada will take place within the next several weeks. We extend our sincere thanks all the organizers at Air Canada whose dedication and tireless efforts made this historic moment possible.
Air Canada is the flag carrier and the largest airline in Canada, by size and passengers carried. Air Canada is headquartered in the borough of Saint-Laurent in the city of Montreal. The airline, founded in 1937, provides scheduled and charter air transport for passengers and cargo to 222 destinations worldwide. It operates major hubs at Montréal–Trudeau, Toronto–Pearson, and Vancouver. Air Canada is a founding member of the Star Alliance.
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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.
