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TORONTO, March 13, 2014 /CNW/ - "Unifor, as a national union, has not taken a position regarding the use of jet aircraft at the Toronto Island Airport," said National Union President Jerry Dias.
Today Unifor Local 112 expressed its support for Porter Airlines' proposal to operate the Bombardier jets out of the Toronto Island Airport.
"While locals are free to develop their own positions, they do not speak for the National Union. I want to be clear. In no way does the position of Local 112 reflect the National Union's position," said Dias.
Unifor, and many other labour unions, have expressed concern about the expanded use of jet aircraft by Porter at the Airport.
- The Q400 turboprop planes currently in use are built in Toronto, supporting thousands of jobs in the aerospace industry, and have a much lighter environmental footprint than jet aircraft.
- Porter has consistently refused to engage with its employees' efforts to organize to improve their wages and working conditions, thereby undermining the well-being of all workers in the airline industry.
"Unifor is committed to participating in a discussion about the expansion of the Toronto Island Airport," said Dias. "Our participation will be guided by our commitment to good jobs and respect for the local community."
Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing more than 300,000 workers, including more than 39,000 in the auto industry. Unifor was founded Labour Day weekend 2013 when the Canadian Autoworkers and the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers union merged.
SOURCE Unifor
