The federal government plans to hand control of Canada’s major airports to profit-seeking investors. Passengers and workers will end up paying for it.
Airports are critical public infrastructure. They exist to serve passengers and communities, facilitating business and tourism. They provide good jobs in those communities. Private investors have a different job: extracting profits. Those profits will have to come from somewhere. Likely higher fees, outsourcing or contract flipping jobs, staff cuts, or all three.
WestJet contact centre workers in Calgary have voted by 89% to join Unifor, taking an important step toward gaining a stronger voice against outsourcing and negotiating their first collective agreement.
"We are thrilled to welcome these workers to Unifor. They join with other WestJet workers who are already members of our union,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.
“Unifor is an experienced voice for workers across the aviation sector, and we look forward to working with these new members on their first collective agreement."
TORONTO—Unifor’s Aviation Council sent the federal government a clear message during a protest today at the Canada Investment Summit 2026 in Toronto: Canada’s airports are not for sale.
The two-day summit, hosted by Prime Minister Mark Carney, brings together global investors, Canadian CEOs and public-sector representatives to discuss investment in Canadian industries, infrastructure and other assets, including still-public infrastructure.
TORONTO—Unifor Air Canada customer service agents have ratified a four-year collective agreement that delivers very strong gains including 21% in compounded wage increases, strengthened pensions, enhanced benefits and greater job security following more than three months of negotiations by 94%.
Deborah Flint CEO – Greater Toronto Airports Authority Toronto, ON
Dear Ms. Flint
I am writing to raise a matter of growing urgency for workers across Canada’s aviation sector and for the stability of airport operations at Toronto Pearson: the continued practice of contract flipping and the escalating impacts it is having on workforce continuity, safety culture, and the long‑term resilience of airport services.
TORONTO—Unifor and Air Canada have reached a tentative agreement, which covers customer service agents who work at airports and call centres to provide services such as customer relations and customer journey management across the country.
The details surrounding the agreement will be released upon ratification.
Ratification meetings are scheduled June 1 to 12 at locations across Canada.
Nearly 6,000 Unifor Local 2002 members work at Air Canada locations nationwide.
Unifor is proud to announce 35 new members from AGI Canadian Company have joined our union.
“Airport workers keep Canada’s aviation system moving, and they deserve the protections and bargaining power that only a union can provide,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.
“By joining Unifor, AGI workers have chosen collective strength and a seat at the table. We are proud to welcome these new members and support them in the fight for fairness.”
Unifor Local 2002 members at Air Canada Flight Operations Crew Scheduling have ratified a new four-year collective agreement, with 96% voting in favour.
“Congratulations to the bargaining committee for negotiating a fair deal that reflects the essential role our aviation members play in airline operations,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.
“Their precision, expertise, and dedication are critical to ensuring the airline operates smoothly.”
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