August 13, 2025

Dear Air Canada Aircraft Maintenance Engineers and Skilled Trade Professionals:

On January 13, 2025, AMFA filed an Application for Representation with the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB), supported by more than 93% of Air Canada Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs).

On May 7, 2025, the CIRB authorized a representation vote for roughly 2,250 maintenance employees at Air Canada. As part of its order, the Board also approved the fragmentation of the existing Technical, Maintenance, and Operational Support (TMOS) Bargaining Unit. Air Canada’s skilled aviation professionals are seeking AMFA representation because, for generations, the IAM has failed to prioritize the specific needs of AMEs and skilled trade groups. AMFA is the only craft/trade-specific union solely dedicated to representing and advancing the interests of aviation maintenance professionals.

The representation vote was conducted from May 26, 2025, to May 31, 2025; however, the Board has not yet released the results of the vote. It continues to work on a full-form decision explaining the reasons for the fragmentation of the bargaining unit.  On June 20, 2025, the IAM filed a motion with the Federal Court of Appeal asking that the court prohibit the Board from releasing the vote results.  The IAM justified its request as follows:

“[I]f AMFA obtained a majority of votes and this fact is disclosed, IAMAW’s reputation and relationship with its members and with the employer will be damaged, with the confidence of both in IAMAW undermined. In this respect, if the ballots are unsealed, counted, and disclosed, and then it is determined that IAMAW remains the bargaining agent of the entire TMOS bargaining unit, IAMAW will be unfairly and unnecessarily prejudiced in its ability to represent its members.”

With its motion, the IAM also submitted a supposedly “unsolicited” letter from the Canada Labour Congress that criticized the Board’s decision to fragment the TMOS unit, which had allowed Air Canada maintenance employees to freely choose their collective bargaining agent for the first time ever.  

On July 17, 2025, the Court of Appeal granted the motion, finding that the loss of the representation vote would, in fact, damage the IAM’s reputation.  The vote results will be released only after the Court approves the Board’s reasons for fragmenting the TMOS unit.

While the Court’s decision here will delay AMFA’s certification by several months, it should not impact the ultimate outcome — AMFA victory. For more information, AMFA | Air Canada.

Thank you for your dedication and professionalism. Together, we will continue to strengthen our craft and ensure recognition of your vital contributions to aviation safety.

Sincerely,

Bret Oestreich
National President