January 21, 2026
Hello Team Ornge,
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome all of you to the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association. AMFA’s application for certification has now been received and acknowledged by the CIRB and is currently going through the process established by the Board. My name is Ian Evershed, and I am proud to serve you in the capacity of Region IV Director, AMFA National.
Recently, you may have received an email from your current bargaining agent, OPEIU, which may have been the cause of some confusion. To clarify comments made in the initial paragraph of Mr. Evans’ email, regarding the CIRB’s acknowledgment of receipt of AMFA’s application, it is the OPEIU that is responsible for having accurate contact information on file with the Board. Apparently, they listed a pilot as the contact for your bargaining unit. I can assure you we have provided the CIRB with all necessary contact information for AMFA’s current application, namely National President Bret Oestreich, as is customary for all AMFA applications.
Please note that AMFA does not raid and only accepts groups that express an overwhelming interest in our services as bargaining agent. Although the CIRB requires 50% +1 of bargaining unit support to hold a representation vote, AMFA requires >80% to proceed with an application for certification. Thank you for exceeding our expectations! Part I of the Canada Labour Code offers the same degree of statutory freeze protection to employees subject to representative change as it does to those entering bargaining under a Notice to Bargain. As the OPEIU served notice in December and AMFA submitted its application in January, all terms and conditions of employment are frozen until such time that the successor agent has been determined and a new collective agreement has been established. Any exceptions would be subject to consent by the successor agent; in short, nothing changes until you have a new collective agreement.
AMFA’s experience is not restricted to any one type of business model, nor is it focused on anything other than the individual class and craft of AME/AMT and supporting Aviation Professionals. All our represented carriers operate in time-critical environments; this is aviation. The core skills of an AME are so transferable that the AME can thrive in different business models, from ORNGE to Air Canada, by learning the aircraft type and adapting to the operating style of the company. AMFA seeks to ensure that the value of those skills are recognized by all air operators.
AMFA has decades of experience negotiating with a variety of air carriers, all claiming a unique business model and culture. As AMEs and AMTs ourselves, AMFA has a better understanding of the role our members play in the success of these organizations. Our resources expand with every new member that joins our ranks as we develop leaders from within and use our strong network to support the development and expansion of our Union.
Misinformation comes from a lack of open communication. AMFA focuses on transparency, which creates trust. The “campaign” is not AMFA-generated; it is internal, and comes from a group clearly dissatisfied with its current representation. AMFA continues to deliver industry-changing contracts, and these experiences are changing the way AMEs view the performance of their union. We are excited to start this new chapter with the AMEs at ORNGE and move forward with bargaining in the coming months. Please be patient as the CIRB completes the certification process and always retain the highest level of professionalism in the execution of your duties as we work through this transition period together.
Welcome to AMFA!
Ian Evershed
Region IV Director, AMFA National
