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Jazz Aviation and EVAS workers, represented by Unifor Local 2002, said they are disappointed with Air Canada’s major reduction in services announcement.
“Airline workers should not have to continue to bear the burden of this global pandemic’s economic effects due to ongoing travel restrictions,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National president. “What workers need is for the federal government to take immediate action to develop an effective airlines strategy that preserves Canadian jobs.”
The reduction in service was announced because of ongoing COVID-19 travel restrictions as part of the government’s pandemic response. Air Canada announced that approximately 30 routes have been cancelled and eight airport stations will be closed indefinitely.
“We fully understand the difficult situation the pandemic has created for the global industry, but our airline workers are counting on the prime minister to take leadership to support and preserve Canada’s airline industry,” said Euila Leonard, president of Unifor Local 2002.
On March 28, 2020, Unifor joined with other Canadian airline unions in sharing concerns and providing solutions to help bring stability and prosperity back to the industry. Unifor has specifically called on the government to ensure that any aid package delivered to any sector, including air travel, must be accompanied by strong, enforceable conditions that ensure funds are dedicated to maintaining current workers’ income and creating new opportunities for employment.
