Monday November 18, 2013
For Immediate Release
Trenton, ON – Former members of the IAM, together with many new members employed at L-3 MAS in Trenton Ontario are back in the union fold.
“Many of these folks are former employees of Air Canada who opted to go with a new employer when Air Canada shed some of its maintenance contracts in 2009,” explained IAM Grand Lodge Representative Bill Shipman.
“The contract in question was for the maintenance and repair of five CC-150 Polaris (Airbus A310) Air Transport Aircraft used by the Canadian Air Force for VIP Transport, emergency disaster relief, troop rotations, military family Christmas flights and Aerial Refueling. However the new contract provider (Aveos) went bankrupt and the contract was picked up by L-3 MAS (Mirable) who although unionized, decided to run the Trenton operation as non-union.” “L-3 MAS fought very hard to keep the union out but these workers knew the value of IAM representation and voted in favour of rejoining the IAM,” explained Scott Jackson, District 78 IAMAW Organizer.
The 49 members consist of aircraft technicians, aircraft groomers, and stores personnel. Of the five aircraft, three aircraft (with one in VIP configuration used by members of the Royal family and Canadian government officials) are configured for either passenger or cargo duties and the other two are designated for aerial refueling. They are assigned to 437 Squadron #8 Air Transport Wing based at CFB Trenton. The IAM also represents workers at L-3 MAS in Montréal. We are proud to welcome all new and former members back into the Machinists Union.
-30-
For further information:
Bill Shipman – IAM Grand Lodge Representative
705-799-2899/705-875-7206
Scott Jackson – IAM District Lodge 78 Organizer
416-225-9003/416-579-0854
Bill Trbovich – IAM Director of Communications
416-386-1789 Ext#6331/416-735-9765
