CAW AT AC MAINLINE RATIFY

[Guest M. McRae]

Attention News/Labour Editors:

CAW members ratify Air Canada agreement

TORONTO, June 13 /CNW/ - CAW Local 2002 members at the mainline carrier,

Air Canada, have ratified by 71% a tentative settlement negotiated under the

heavy shadow of the bankruptcy protection filing and creditors demanding

concessions from union members.

The CAW contract, while leaving current wages, health care benefits and

pensions intact, contained major changes in workrules, reduced vacations and

other monetary issues such as the elimination of shift premiums.

In addition, approximately 800 members stand to lose their jobs in the

coming months.

The 71% vote "reflects a deep resignation by many of what faces us - many

will be losing a decent paying job and others will have to return to working

conditions that we fought hard to change decades ago. For example, shift

schedules will be far less flexible and members will find it more difficult to

have family time and arrange child care," said Anne Davidson, president of

Local 2002.

Total ballots cast were 4148 with 2966 voting yes. There are

approximately 7000 members.

Approximately 100 crew schedulers at the mainline ratified the agreement

by 92%.

CAW members at Jazz are still voting on their separate agreement and

results are expected to be announced on the weekend.

[milehighclub]

Clear as a bell: 1182 out of 7000 wishing to scrap the airline. Less than 17% of the bunch and less than 0.4% of the entire company... Next !

MHC

[LongTimer V]

40% of membership didn't vote.Just don't give a sh!t about anything,must be nice to be able to fall back on another income.The rest are not so lucky.