October 8, 2025

Dear Air Canada Aircraft Maintenance Engineers and Skilled Trade Professionals:

As you are aware, the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) has yet to release its final order addressing the fragmentation of the former Air Canada TMOS Unit. It has been ten (10) months since we filed your 93% showing of interest for AMFA with our certification application, and five (5) months since the Board rendered its initial fragmentation decision.  While AMFA trusts in the professionalism and diligence of the Board, we are also surprised by this continued delay.

In previous cases, the Federal Court of Appeal has observed that “labour relations delayed are labour relations denied.”[1]  That maxim accurately describes the current situation at Air Canada.  The International Association of Machinists (IAM) has started collective bargaining preparations for its other represented groups while denying the same opportunity to its current aircraft maintenance members.  Elected IAM-Air Canada Tech Ops representatives have been replaced by appointed individuals with no connection to the aircraft maintenance group and inadequate knowledge of the contract. AMFA increasingly receives reports that aircraft maintenance employees have been denied effective union representation during interactions with Air Canada. 

For the record, the IAM has a history of retaliation—not representation. It is a palpable irony that the IAM continues to deprive its dues-paying members of effective representation while also defending its right to serve as the current bargaining agent and repeatedly delaying the certification and transition to AMFA. For decades, the IAM has failed to prioritize the interests of Air Canada’s maintenance professionals. Now that IAM can no longer ignore you, it has resorted to fear and intimidation—tactics it has relied on for nearly 80 years.

The IAM continues to actively undermine safety culture and frustrate productive labour relations.  Even the Company has recognized that the Board’s delay has had a deleterious effect on labour relations.  On September 23, 2025, Air Canada Vice President and General Counsel Fred Headon stated in a letter to the Board:

As the collective agreement in force regarding the bargaining unit which was the subject of this decision expires on March 31, 2026, time is running short for the judicial review to be concluded prior to the earliest time at which notice(s) to bargain may be issued. As a result, we believe it would be helpful for all parties to have an indication of when the CIRB may issue the reasons.

While we share your frustration at the IAM’s manufactured delay and pace of the certification process, it is crucial that you maintain the highest levels of professionalism. As a union of skilled maintenance professionals, AMFA is unwavering in its commitment to upholding the honour and integrity of our craft. AMFA exists for one purpose: to represent and elevate the skilled professionals who ensure the safety of aircraft, flight crews, and the traveling public.

This representation vote was only possible because of your dedication, determination, and courage. Your patience is critical. There’s more work ahead, but with unity and resolve, you will take control of your own destiny – for yourself, your colleagues, and your families. Your continued trust in the process has already produced incredible success and will ultimately result in AMFA’s certification. In the interim, you have a right to competent representation from your current union.  Do not hesitate to raise representational shortfalls directly to the IAM, the AMFA Organizing Committee, or the Board.

Thank you for your support and dedication.  We believe that critical work belongs in the hands of qualified, unionized professionals—like you. AMFA will continue to provide updates on the certification process as new information becomes available.

Sincerely,

Bret Oestreich
National President