This resolution became essential after the ACTS declaration published in the Globe and Mail newspaper earlier this week, announcing their intention to quadruple the aircraft maintenance in El Salvador with the creation of 4000 new jobs.

The resolution was proposed by the delegates of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW) present at the convention. Marcel St-Jean, president of the IAMAW Local Lodge 1751, representing ACTS maintenance employees in Montreal, said; “With the strong support of the 550,000 members of the QFL, I'm returning to my Lodge and my members”.

The resolution denounces the exportation of expertise jobs in Quebec and Canada aerospace industry and serves to put pressure on the different governmental levels. With this resolution, close to 1 million unionized members of the CLC and the QFL throughout Canada are giving their support to the machinists workers in the country.

The resolution also promotes and encourages training for our youths in aerospace and aircraft maintenance in Quebec and in Canada. The resolution also invites the QFL and the CLC to put pressure on the government for adopting a law that would prevent foreign investors from purchasing Canadian industries.

Members of the IAMAW feel betrayed by Air Canada, they were offended by the bad news last Monday. In 2003, during the company’s restructuring after the Company’s Creditors Arrangement Act, they gave up close to 1.9 million dollars in concessions.

The IAMAW is affiliated to the QFL and represents over 12,000 members in Quebec and close to 50,000 members in Canada. With its 700 000 members all over the United States and Canada, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers is the largest aerospace union organization in North America.

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For further information:
Marcel St-Jean – IAMAW Local Lodge 1751 President, Quebec Machinists Council President. 514-602-7794/514-332-2668
Jocelyn Vincent – IAMAW LL1751, communicator
514-332-2668/ 514-795-7751

Air Canada technical services (ACTS) exporting jobs
Emergency Resolution
WHEREAS the Globe and Mail of November 26, 2007 has declared that Air Canada intends to quadruple its maintenance operations in El Salvador with the creation of 4000 new jobs.

WHEREAS Air Canada Management is lobbying with the government to get financial assistance in order to send our Canadian and Quebec teachers to El Salvador for training aerospace technicians who will be fulfilling 4000 jobs.

WHEREAS if put into practice, it would mean a reduction of 4000 jobs in Quebec and Canada aerospace industry.

WHEREAS when compared with Canada and Quebec, their health and safety regulations, working conditions and social benefits are less or non-existent.

WHEREAS the excellent reputation of Air Canada / ACTS safety records in the aerospace industry is due to its professional and qualified personnel.

BE IT RESOLVED that the QFL along with CLC denounce the fact that our expertise and jobs are exported out of Quebec and Canada.

BE IT RESOLVED that the QFL along with CLC support the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers in their demand that the government representatives continue to support training our youths and protect jobs in aerospace and aircrafts maintenance so they stay in Quebec and in Canada.

BE IT RESOLVED that the QFL along with CLC put pressure on different governmental levels for adopting a law that would prevent foreign investors from purchasing Canadian industries, which affect skilled labour jobs.

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