Government Court Case Against Air Canada Applauded

Many Manitobans thought last July's decision by Air Canada to close its Winnipeg flight attendant base and to lay off 145 attendants was the wrong thing to do. Many spoke out against the decision, including organized labour and Premier Gary Doer. That's why the Manitoba Federation of Labour applauds and supports the Government's decision to challenge the move in the courts.

"These workers were let down by the Harper government which could have used its considerable influence to affect Air Canada's decision, but it didn't, said MFL President Darlene Dziewit. Manitoba's government is the only one to take action on behalf of the Winnipeg Air Canada workers."

At the same time, ACTS (the private company that bought the majority of Air Canada's maintenance services) announced plans to lay off about 78 Winnipeg-based maintenance workers.

Dziewit added "When the Conservatives under Brian Mulroney privatized Air Canada over the protests of many Canadians, the Air Canada Public Participation Act was passed to protect the interests of the Canadian public. Included in that were provisions that were supposed to ensure the continued presence of Air Canada's capacity in Winnipeg.

"I believe the Government of Manitoba is doing the proper thing in supporting these workers by taking the whole matter before a judge for clarification. Does the Act mean what it says? Does Air Canada have to obey the Law? It is clear that these important jobs must remain in Winnipeg."

The MFL President said instead of ignoring the need for a sensible national transportation plan, the Federal Government should be taking steps to formulate one and to strengthen Manitoba's capacity to play the key transportation and economic role that it can - not only in Canada but throughout North America.

Air Canada must form a key part of that plan, particularly in light of the planning that is underway to designate Winnipeg as one of Canada's Inland Ports.