TORONTO CUPE will be studying Air Canadas new business plan carefully to ensure it is a blueprint for rebuilding the airline and not a plan for profiteering at the expense of employees, said Air Canada Component president Pamela Sachs today.
The union was responding to Justice Farleys extension to April 15th of the deadline for the airline to emerge from bankruptcy protection. CUPE had asked for the business plan produced by Air Canada and shared with Trinity, but not with employee groups, and today the court agreed.
Air Canada needs a commitment to quality, service and safety and it needs to rebuild a great team that can win back its reputation for service excellence and compete with the rest of the world an airline that serves Canadians and their needs, Sachs said. Air Canada needs investors who are committed to meeting these objectives, not profiteers. Its up to Mr. Li and company to show their true colours.
Air Canadas future cannot be secured with a never-ending list of concessions from employees. That climate of uncertainty and intimidation has failed the airline. We need an end to the negative environment that detracts from employees commitment to go the extra mile, said Sachs. Weve proven were committed to the airline by giving up billions to keep it flying. Now its time for Mr. Li and Trinity to show their commitment.
We look forward to seeing the business plan we called for last week. Are the unseemly management bonuses still on the table? Will creditors and suppliers now be asked to contribute fairly? Is a new relationship with employees, one that leaves intimidation and confrontation behind, part of Air Canadas plan to turn this airline around? asked Sachs. No one has more at stake than Air Canadas employees. That is why we want to be part of the solution.
On March 26th CUPE wrote to Victor Li setting out a five-point plan with essential first steps needed for Air Canada to once again become a pre-eminent airline. The letter is available at www.accomponent.ca
For further information:
Alejandra Bravo
(416) 798-3399 ext. 270
cell (416) 305-8095
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