OTTAWA, ONTARIO, June 14, 2011—The Honourable Lisa Raitt, Canada’s Labour Minister, announced the federal government will introduce the "Continuing Air Service for Passengers Act" to end the current Air Canada work stoppage involving the CAW-Local 2002 that could affect the air travelling public and hurt Canada's economic recovery.
"Our government is concerned about the effect this strike will have on Canada's economic recovery and on Canadians," said Minister Raitt. "That is why tonight, we will put legislation on notice to ensure continuing air service for passengers."
The CAW-Canada collective agreement, covering a unit of approximately 3 800 customer sales and service agents, expired on February 28, 2011. On May 24, 2011, two mediators from the Government of Canada's Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service were appointed to assist Air Canada and the National Automobile, Aerospace, Transportation and General Workers Union of Canada (CAW-Canada), Local 2002. Meetings with the parties were held over the last few weeks but no agreement has been reached.
"My preference has always been for the parties to resolve their own labour dispute and negotiate an agreement," said Minister Raitt. "Since this has proven impossible, our Government must act to protect the public interest."
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This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.
For further information (media only):
Ashley Kelahear
Special Assistant, Media Relations
Office of Minister Raitt
819-953-5646
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
