OTTAWA, ONTARIO, August 19, 2008 - The Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Labour and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, today advised the members of Air Canada's joint plan nning committee that he has appointed Mr. Brian Keller as arbitrator in their negotiations. The joint planning committee comprises representatives of Air Canada and the Canadian Union of Public Employees.
"I am very pleased that Mr. Keller has agre ed to act as arbitrator," said Minister Blackburn. "I urge the parties to extend to him their full co-operation in resolving this matter."
Minister Blackburn appointed an arbitrator following a joint request from both parties. The arbitrator will decide the terms of the adjustment program for those employees who will lose their jobs as a result of group terminations, and is expected to render a decision within the next four weeks. The decision will be final and binding on the parties.
Mr. Keller is a nationally recognized labour arbitrator and former Vice-Chair of the Ontario Labour Relations Board. He is prominent in the fields of collective agreement negotiation and grievance mediation.
The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service provides dispute resolution and dispute prevention assistance to trade unions and employers under the jurisdiction of the Canada Labour Code. The Service o ffers tools for dispute resolution, dispute prevention and grievance mediation, as well as arbitration services.
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For further infor mation (media only):
Michael Winterburn
Office of Minister Blackburn
819-953-5646
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
