02 March 2022
Toronto, ON – Canadians were made aware of a significant transaction in the airline industry today when WestJet will acquire Sunwing Vacations and Sunwing Airlines.
The IAM currently represents approximately 40 members at Sunwing Airlines since they joined the union in 2018.
Dave Flowers, President and Directing Chairperson (PDGC) of IAM Transportation District 140 wanted to reassure IAM members. “The IAM is looking closely at this file and we will make sure our members’ concerns are addressed. Past experience gave us a great deal of know-how and we will use every bit of it,” he said.
“The IAM and our members have been through many mergers and acquisitions over the last few decades,” said Dave Chartrand, Canadian General Vice-President, “and we want our members to know we will be working diligently to protect their rights.”
Under the deal, according to the WestJet/Sunwing press release, “the WestJet Group of companies will acquire Sunwing Vacations and Sunwing Airlines. Following the close of the transaction, a new tour operating business unit will be created under the WestJet Group, to include both Sunwing Vacations and WestJet Vacations Inc., and will be led by Sunwing CEO Stephen Hunter.”
The IAM is the union representing the largest number of workers at Canadian airports and Canadian airline companies.
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For more information:
Frank Saptel
IAM Communcations
fsaptel@iamaw.org
