Ottawa, Ontario, March 15, 2012—Today, the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Canada’s Labour Minister, announced that Bill C-33, An Act to Provide for the Continuation and Resumption of Air Service Operations, has received Royal Assent. The legislation was tabled on March 12 to end the labour disputes involving Air Canada and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW), and Air Canada and the Air Canada Pilots Association (ACPA).
“Our government took decisive action to ensure the economic recovery is not harmed and stays on course,” said Minister Raitt. “This legislation will bring resolution to the current ongoing labour disputes that were threatening air service operations, and ensure much-needed service to air travelers and businesses alike.”
The legislation will ensure continuing air services and send all unresolved issues to binding arbitration.
The IAMAW represents a unit of 8 200 employees engaged in technical, maintenance and operational support functions whose current collective agreement expired March 31, 2011. The ACPA represents 3 000 pilots whose current collective agreement also expired on March 31, 2011.
Bill C-33 was passed in the House of Commons on March 14, 2012, and in the Senate on March 15, 2012.
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This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.
For further information (media only):
Ashley Kelahear
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Raitt
819-953-5646
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
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