Union asks all parties to commit to Canada's stance

International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers announced (29-Nov-2010) it has sent a letter to Canadian political leaders asking them to commit to a Canadian Air Transport Policy. The letter follows recent action by the federal government to protect the Canadian air transport industry and Canadian jobs by refusing access to the market for the air carriers of the United Arab Emirates. The government recognised that bowing to the UAE government demands would have seriously damaged Canadian carriers, in particular Air Canada, through the diversion of international traffic through the Dubai hub. [more]

IAMAW: "The leading principle for Canada in any international air transport negotiations must be the maintenance of a strong Canadian-owned and based air transport industry. A strong Canadian Air Transport Policy would ensure safety and service to Canadian communities and the maintenance and expansion of high quality employment in Canada. We're asking for a public commitment from every federal party leader to that principle." Dave Ritchie, Canadian General Vice President of IAMAW.