Unifor urges parties involved in Aeroplan purchase to prioritize good jobs in Canada

TORONTO, Aug. 21, 2018 /CNW/ - Unifor, the union representing employees at Aeroplan and customer sales and service agents at Air Canada has reached out to the businesses after an announcement that Aeroplan will be purchased by a consortium of companies.

Unifor Local 2002 represents 450 members who work at Aeroplan in British Columbia and Quebec, as well as 4,600 members who work at Air Canada call centres and customer sales and service agents at 9 airports across the country.

"As the details of this move unfold, Unifor will advocate for the thousands of members who depend on good jobs at Air Canada and Aeroplan to support their families and communities," said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. "These workers are proud to deliver services that enriches the lives of travellers and clients right across the country."

Air Canada confirmed earlier today that a consortium consisting of Air Canada, TD Bank, CIBC, and Visa, would purchase the Aeroplan business from Aimia Inc. Today's announcement of purchase comes after Air Canada declared that it would move back towards an in-house loyalty program in 2020.

The purchase still requires board and shareholder approvals, as well as regulatory approvals. The union has reached out to Aeroplan and Air Canada for more information on the long-term implications of the agreement.

"Local 2002 members provide world-class services, and will continue to maintain those high standards throughout this transition," said Euila Leonard, President of Local 2002. "Unifor will be engaged in this process and communicate with all members every step of the way."

Unifor Local 2002 will communicate more information to members as it becomes available. Members can visit unifor2002.org to stay informed and register for updates.

Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.

SOURCE Unifor