We are thrilled to announce a significant victory for our IAM members. This ruling ensures that workers affected by Air Canada’s misuse of ODS provisions will receive the compensation they rightfully deserve. It reinforces the importance of seniority rights and fair treatment under our Collective Bargaining Agreement and marks the second major award stemming from the ODS grievances filed during the pandemic.
In May 2021, the Union successfully challenged the company’s improper application of ODS, which had unfairly reduced the workforce in January 2021. Although the company sought to overturn this ruling, their appeal was dismissed in September 2022. Since then, we have been diligently working to secure proper compensation.
Through persistent negotiations, the company agreed to make certain employee groups whole. However, we continued to advocate for workers who had the potential to displace junior colleagues in other locations but were denied that opportunity due to the company’s improper actions.
The Arbitrator has now ruled in favor of our position, determining that a substantial number of these affected employees would have exercised their bumping rights had the layoff process been conducted properly. As a result, Air Canada is now obligated to compensate these workers accordingly. The company has been ordered to compile the necessary details of the affected members and process the payments no later than March 17, 2025.
Although the Union challenged for 100% of the eligible employees to be paid and we are disappointed that we were not able to achieve this by way of the arbitrator’s award, we believe the ruling is fair. We are happy that many members who were withheld their layoff and bumping rights during the pandemic will be paid, and the employer held accountable for their violations of the CBA.
“This decision is a monumental win for IAM members and reaffirms that companies must respect our contracts and seniority rights,” said Dave Flowers, President and Directing General Chairperson of IAM District 140. “It’s another example of why being part of a strong union truly matters.”
We will provide updates as they become available and will continue to push for the smooth implementation of the Arbitrator’s decision. The full arbitration ruling is accessible on the IAM District 140 website.
This has truly been a collective effort, and your dedication to standing together has made all the difference. United, we’ve made a tangible difference. If you have any questions or need further information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your General Chairpersons or Shop Committee Representatives.
Solidarity triumphs once again!
This victory not only benefits our IAM members but also sets a powerful precedent for workers’ rights across the industry. It’s a testament to what we can achieve when we stand together and advocate for fair treatment. Your strength and unity have been key in reaching this successful outcome.
