“No more excuses,” said National President Judy Darcy. “The government must establish clear rules for the approval of any future restructuring of the airline industry. And for the long term, it must develop an airline policy with teeth. One that provides for managed competition and protection for airline workers.”
Darcy and Airline Division president Denise Hill presented CUPEs position to the Senate Committee examining the current situation in the airline industry on November 9. They will appear again before a Commons committee on November 16.
By setting aside the rules that protect competition, “the federal government has unleashed incredible uncertainty over the future of jobs for airline employees,” Darcy said. “Employees and their families have been tormented as corporations battled for shareholder support. It didnt have to be this way.”
“Flight attendants need assur-ances that there will be no involuntary lay-offs or forced relocation,” said division president Hill. “They are demanding enhanced retirement and voluntary severance packages, wage equity and protection.”
“This industry has provided good jobs and good service to Canadians but flight attendants have been through ten years of turmoil since the government deregulated the industry. Now is the time for the federal government to ensure a financially sound industry for the future,” Hill said.
“The airline industry is vital to the economic well-being of Canada,” added Darcy. “The government must ensure that service to communities is maintained and the interests of all Canadians are served.”