FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MISSISSAUGA, ON – February 12, 2026 – Since 2012, Sean Askin has worked as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer for L3 Harris at the Trenton Air Force Base. L3 Harris is a civilian military contractor responsible for the maintenance of the Royal Canadian Air Force’s CC-150 Polaris fleet, which includes aircraft used to transport the Prime Minister and other VIP government officials across Canada and throughout the world. Over the course of his career, Askin has received civilian medals presented by the Royal Canadian Armed Forces for his diligent and conscientious approach to aircraft maintenance.
On the morning of November 13, 2025, during an active military mission, Askin responded to a maintenance defect on a CC-150 Polaris aircraft. Although the defect had been recorded on L3 Harris’ maintenance system days earlier, the company did not advise the mission crew of the defect until just before scheduled departure. Askin coordinated a solution for the defect with the flight crew, and the mission proceeded under military flight rules. Rather than rewarding Askin’s prompt response, L3 Harris disciplined Askin and imposed a multi-week suspension.
The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) has filed unfair labour practice charges against L3 Harris that challenge the company’s disciplinary decision. AMFA’s complaint, filed with the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB), alleges that the discipline was motivated by Askin’s status as a union officer. According to the complaint, the company has a long history of harassment, and even physical intimidation, of unionized employees and union officers. Moreover, the union alleges that the discipline was contrary to a clear public policy that encourages employees to raise concerns related to safety-critical maintenance procedures. Askin had previously reported concerns about accessing L3Harris’ computerized maintenance tracking system and the lack of resources necessary for mission crews to perform their duties. As alleged in AMFA’s complaint, the company retaliated and cited Askin’s critical feedback as a key factor in its disciplinary decision, rather than recognize its responsibility to support its employees.
L3 Harris’ maintenance procedures and response to employee safety concerns are increasingly important as the company continues to bid for a contract to perform maintenance on the A330-200 MRTT fleet. The A330-200 fleet is scheduled to replace aging CC-150 Polaris aircraft and will form a crucial component of Canada’s Strategic Tanker Transport Capability project and the country’s focus on national sovereignty.
The CIRB is expected to set a briefing schedule in the coming days. L3 Harris has not responded to the allegations in AMFA’s complaint.
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The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association is a craft-specific, independent aviation union representing 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 to achieving progressive improvements in wages, benefits, and working conditions of the skilled professionals it represents. For more information about AMFA, visit www.amfanational.org.
