OTTAWA, ONTARIO, JUNE 11, 2011—Today, as Canada’s Labour Minister, I received a 72-hour notice of strike from the National Automobile, Aerospace, Transportation and General Workers Union of Canada (CAW-Canada), Local 2002. This union represents all sales and service agents at airports, reservation offices and crew scheduling for Air Canada. I am concerned that a strike is being considered and am taking this situation very seriously.
The Government of Canada has received a strong mandate from Canadians and our focus remains the fragile economic recovery. I am concerned about the potential impact of a work stoppage on Canadians and on Canada's economic recovery.
We are committed to supporting unions and employers, while advancing stable labour relations. I remind the parties that the best solution in any dispute is one that the parties reach themselves. I therefore urge and encourage the parties to reach a negotiated agreement as soon as possible.
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