Unifor calls on Ottawa to prioritize air transportation workers

TORONTO, May 7, 2020 /CNW/ - Unifor is calling on the federal government to ensure any financial aid package for the air transportation sector emphasizes workers.

"People and business have made extraordinary efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and the air transportation industry is no exception," said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. "Since day one of the COVID-19 crisis, air transportation workers have put their health on the line to safely bring Canadians home and we are calling on the federal government to not leave air transportation workers behind."

On March 23, 2020, Unifor sent a letter to the federal government to demand that any financial aid package delivered to any industry, including air travel must be accompanied by strong, enforceable conditions that ensure financial relief is tied to maintaining income for current employees, creating employment, and not enriching executives through bonuses.

"Government support for the air transportation industry is critical at this time to ensure our transportation sector remains strong, resilient and ready for takeoff when the time finally comes," said Dias.

Unifor has requested a virtual meeting with Federal Finance Minister Bill Morneau and Federal Transportation Minister Marc Garneau to discuss possible solutions in assisting the air transportation industry and its workers.

Unifor represents 16,000 members working in the air transportation sector including pilots, customer service representatives, aircraft groomers, catering staff, maintenance providers, air traffic specialists and air traffic controllers.

Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector and represents 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future. 
Information about the union's response to the pandemic, as well as resources for members can be found at unifor.org/COVID19.

SOURCE Unifor