Air Canada Workers Protest Harper's Heavy Hand

About 100 Air Canada flight attendants, members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees, rallied with supporters from other company bargaining units, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers and the Canadian Autoworkers, outside Air Canada's regional headquarters in downtown Winnipeg over the noon hour on October 17.

They heard strong declarations of support and solidarity from CUPE Manitoba President Kelly Moist (right), Manitoba Federation of Labour President Kevin Rebeck and Winnipeg Labour Council President Dave Sauer. MFL President Kevin Rebeck had a blunt message for Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

"Air Canada is a 'one trick pony'. They stonewall you on fair wages, on adequate pensions, on important health and safety issues related to crew rest periods and working conditions and on sensible work rules. And then they walk away from the bargaining table.

I'm proud that you've drawn the line in the sand and said "NO MORE"! Your bosses, and others, count on Stephen Harper to use the heavy hand of his majority government to take away you rights as workers with the stroke of a pen. They would rather get their Conservative friends to beat you up with legislation than bargain in good faith.

"This abuse of workers' rights has a cost attached to it. The next time there's a federal election, we'll remind Canadians of every attack they've made on Canadian workers. We'll remind Canadians that Harper and his Conservatives do not deserve their vote. We'll remind Canadians that there is another option open to them - an option that will bring them laws and policies that support honest, hard working Canadians, and not attack them.

"While this dispute is unresolved I can promise you that the Manitoba Federation of Labour will work closely with CUPE to ensure that all workers affiliated with us are aware of what's going on and to serve as a pipeline for support for you and your struggle. Brothers and Sisters, YOU DON'T STAND ALONE!"