Dear Members:

The second quarter of 2026 was marked by significant progress across AMFA. From organizing and collective bargaining to legislative advocacy and member representation, our union continued advancing the interests of aircraft maintenance professionals throughout North America.

Most notably, AMFA welcomed our first rotorcraft Aircraft Maintenance Engineers with the certification of Ornge Air in Ontario, further expanding our presence in Canada. We also advanced negotiations, merger activities, legislative initiatives, and contract administration across our represented carriers.

Government Affairs

United States

AMFA continues to be an active voice on Capitol Hill through our Government Affairs team and our partnership with Capitol67 Strategies.

On May 12, 2026, we thanked Congresswoman Hillary Scholten for introducing a resolution to designate May 24 as National Aviation Maintenance Technician Day. This recognition honors the skilled professionals who keep aviation safe and reliable every day.

We also continue supporting the Critical Expansion of Due Process Rights for AMTs and CVR Protections included in the 2024 FAA Reauthorization Act, with full implementation expected in July 2026. These protections strengthen due process rights for our membership during FAA investigations. Under federal law, the Pilot’s Bill of Rights protections apply broadly to any “individual” holding an airman certificate, including AMTs.

Canada

Since becoming a Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) recognized trade union in 2022, AMFA has worked closely with Canadian government decision-makers to protect AMEs, strengthen aviation safety, and ensure the voices of Canadian aircraft maintenance professionals are heard at the highest levels of government.

During Q2 2026, AMFA’s Government Affairs team traveled to Ottawa to meet with senior officials and decision-makers, including Secretary of State (Labour) John Zerucelli, Deputy Minister Rob Wright, Parliamentary Secretary Leslie Church, Parliamentary Secretary Mike Kelloway, and Transportation Safety Board Director Craig Johnston, on issues affecting our members.

Key topics included the review of the Canadian Labour Code, AMFA’s efforts to recruit and train the next generation of AMEs, and the CIRB’s ruling reversing its earlier decision on the Air Canada TechOps bargaining unit and ordering the destruction of more than 2,000 ballots. AMFA has taken legal action to stop the destruction of those ballots and protect employees’ democratic right to choose their bargaining agent. The Federal Court of Appeal has now temporarily halted the destruction until AMFA’s application for judicial review is heard, though the ballots remain at risk.

Represented Carrier Updates

Calm Air, Horizon Air, Jazz Aviation Line, Jazz Technical Services, and WestJet Airlines

While there were no major developments this quarter at Calm Air, Horizon Air, Jazz Aviation Line, Jazz Technical Services, or WestJet, AMFA representatives remain focused on enforcing agreements, addressing workplace concerns, and supporting members while monitoring developments at each carrier.

Alaska Airlines / Hawaiian Airlines

Following certification at Hawaiian Airlines, transition activities continued with new member onboarding, Hawaiian Seniority Integration Committee elections, and ongoing outreach.

On May 1, 2026, AMFA delivered a Merger and Transition Protocol (MTP) proposal to Alaska Airlines establishing the framework for seniority list integration, Joint Collective Bargaining Agreement (JCBA) negotiations, and related expense reimbursement. Other labor groups on the property have already finalized their MTP agreements, including expense reimbursement, with the Company.

AMFA expressed concern over the Company’s delay and requested an in-person meeting to finalize the MTP. After more than a month without a response despite repeated attempts to move forward, we now have a meeting scheduled with the Company on July 29, 2026, in Seattle.

Despite the Company's delays and stall tactics, progress continues. On July 1, AMFA held an informal meeting in Honolulu with representatives from the Alaska and Hawaiian Seniority Integration Committees. Following shop representative training for our Hawaiian representatives, the committees discussed seniority integration and remain optimistic that a finalized MTP will allow an SLI agreement to be reached soon.

Seniority integration remains the immediate priority and will be followed by preparation for the group's first JCBA. Existing contracts at both carriers remain in effect under the Railway Labor Act, and members are encouraged to stay engaged through Local 14 (Seattle) and Local 32 (Phoenix). Completion of the merger process may take time, particularly given the Company's current tactics, but our solidarity will remain essential throughout the process.

L3Harris MAS

The parties began reopener negotiations under Appendix F of the collective agreement in Belleville, Ontario, from April 14–16. Discussions opened with presentations on L3’s recent award of the CC-330 Strategic Tanker Transport Capability (STTC) contract. L3 outlined the anticipated manpower, operational, and infrastructure requirements for the contract. The Company confirmed the contract is expected to require significant headcount increases with no reductions in force during the CC-150 to CC-330 transition.

The parties met again May 11–14 and June 8–10, continuing work toward an agreement in principle on wages, premiums, and benefits.

AMFA rejected L3’s broader contract and extension proposals because they were incomplete and failed to recognize the value of our members’ work. The parties are now working toward a final agreement in principle.

Ornge Air

June 2, 2026, was a landmark day for AMFA. With 98.5% vote in favor of AMFA, the CIRB certified AMFA as the bargaining agent for Ornge Air’s Aircraft Maintenance Engineers and related skilled trade groups. This historic victory welcomed AMFA’s first rotorcraft AMEs. Ornge’s maintenance professionals support Ontario’s largest air ambulance and critical care transport operation, maintaining the AW139 helicopter fleet and PC-12 aircraft that serve patients across the province. AMFA is proud to welcome them into our family.

AMFA National, the Company, and the interim AMFA-Ornge Airline Representative met on June 15 to discuss the transition process and ensure a smooth start for the group. Elections for Shop Representatives and Airline Representative will take place in the coming weeks.

Southwest Airlines

Preparation for bargaining continued throughout the second quarter. Aircraft Maintenance Technicians (AMT) and Aircraft Appearance Technicians (AAT) participated in a proposal prioritization survey providing the Negotiating Committees valuable guidance on member priorities.

On June 8 in Dallas, the AMT and Facilities Maintenance Technician (FMT) committees held separate introductory meetings to discuss bargaining processes and protocols. A similar introductory meeting for the Aircraft Appearance Technicians (AATs) was postponed because the Company’s negotiating committee was unavailable.

The parties established an initial bargaining calendar. AMT negotiations are scheduled for August 17–21 in Denver, with additional sessions August 31–September 3, September 28–October 4, and November 16–20. FMT negotiations are scheduled for November 30–December 4 in Dallas. AMFA will continue monitoring operational and business changes while keeping members informed throughout negotiations.

Spirit Airlines

Negotiations toward the first collective bargaining agreement at Spirit continued through April 28–30. Spirit AMTs kept the fleet flying safely through years of uncertainty, while AMFA bargained for more than three years to secure a first contract for these professionals.

On April 28, AMFA supported a financial relief package for Spirit Airlines and urged policymakers, the administration, and the Company to ensure that workers, safety, and passengers remained the priority. Unfortunately, on May 2, 2026, Spirit Airlines ceased operations after 34 years of service to the traveling public.

AMFA National and Local 4 officers immediately reached out to Spirit members and remain committed to helping these skilled professionals find new opportunities across the aviation industry. Job-placement interviews have already taken place with Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, and United Airlines.

While this was a difficult moment, Spirit AMTs remain highly skilled, licensed, and in demand. Their qualifications continue to be valued throughout the industry, and AMFA remains committed to advocating for these professionals, protecting our craft, and ensuring a strong future for licensed aircraft maintenance technicians.

Sun Country Airlines

A four-year first collective bargaining agreement was ratified on March 10, 2026, following more than three years of bargaining. Implementation of the new agreement is underway, with the first grievances already filed to enforce members' contractual rights.

On May 13, 2026, Allegiant Airlines completed its acquisition of Sun Country Airlines after receiving the required regulatory and shareholder approvals.

There are no immediate changes to frontline maintenance roles, and members will remain in their current bid positions. AMFA National and the AMFA-SCA Airline Representative are working closely with Sun Country and Allegiant labor representatives throughout the integration process. The current CBA remains in effect, and AMFA will firmly oppose any attempt to use the merger to weaken jobs, benefits, or safety standards while continuing to monitor the integration to protect members' interests.

Air Canada Certification Campaign

AMFA continues pursuing representation for approximately 2,250 Air Canada Tech Ops employees. During the quarter, the CIRB reversed its earlier decision and ordered the ballots to be destroyed. AMFA responded by filing both a judicial review with the Federal Court of Appeal and a reconsideration request with the CIRB. The ballots remain protected while those proceedings continue.

Safety is Paramount

Every AMFA member plays a vital role in aviation safety. Continue using your carrier’s Safety Management System (SMS) and Safety Reporting System (SRS) to report concerns and use the FAA Hotline whenever appropriate. Thank you for your continued professionalism and commitment to the highest standards of aircraft maintenance.

Looking Ahead

As we move into the second half of 2026, AMFA remains focused on advancing the Alaska-Hawaiian integration, supporting newly organized members, negotiating strong collective bargaining agreements, protecting our existing contracts, and advancing the interests of aircraft maintenance professionals across North America.

Every organizing campaign, negotiated agreement, legislative effort, and workplace victory reflects the strength of a craft-specific union led by and for aviation maintenance professionals.

It is an honor to serve as your National President. Thank you for your dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to aviation safety. Together, we will continue strengthening our craft, advancing our profession, and ensuring aircraft maintenance professionals receive the recognition and respect they have earned.

In Solidarity,

Bret Oestreich
National President