IAM Members Ratify A New Collective Agreement with Air Canada
Toronto, Ontario – The IAM Union, (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) is proud to announce that members in the Air Canada Technical Maintenance and Operational Support (TMOS) bargaining unit have voted to ratify a new collective agreement that establishes a new benchmark for aviation workers across Canada.
This agreement covers Ramp Workers, Cargo Workers, Ground Service Equipment Mechanics, Central Load Planning Agents, Aircraft Grooming Agents, Customer Service Agents, Aircraft Maintenance Engineers and many other highly skilled workers through many different classifications.
“This agreement is a tremendous victory for our members and raises the bar for the entire Canadian aviation industry,” said David Chartrand, IAM Canadian General Vice-President. “Our members stood together throughout this process and made it clear they expected an agreement that recognized their skill, professionalism, and critical role in Air Canada’s success. This contract delivers on that expectation.”
Among the key achievements of the new collective agreement are:
• Canadian industry-leading wages that recognize the highly skilled work performed by TMOS members.
• Significant pension improvements, including pension indexing for retirees to help protect retirement income against inflation.
• The complete elimination of the ‘B’ and part-time wage scale, ensuring fairer wages and greater equity for all members.
• Increased premium pay that better reflects the specialized skills and responsibilities performed by IAM members.
• Enhanced health and welfare benefits to provide greater support for members and their families.
• A Sick Bank Payout program, allowing members to receive payment for unused sick leave or convert those accumulated days into additional time off.
• A vacation purchase plan allowing members to purchase 2-weeks extra vacation.
“This agreement is about more than wages and benefits,” said Keith Aiken, Air Transport Coordinator for IAM Canada. “It reflects the value of our members’ work and recognizes the vital role Technical Maintenance and Operational Support employees play in keeping Air Canada’s operation safe, reliable, and running every day, and our Ramp worker who are the backbone of the day to day operations. Our bargaining committee remained focused throughout negotiations, and our members’ solidarity gave them the strength to achieve meaningful gains that will benefit both current members and future generations.”
The agreement also reinforces the IAM’s commitment to protecting quality jobs while improving the economic security and quality of life of its members.
The IAM congratulates the Negotiations Committee, Local leadership, Shop Committees, and every member who participated throughout the bargaining and ratification process. Their solidarity, engagement, and resolve were instrumental in securing this agreement.
Together, they have achieved a contract that not only rewards today’s workforce but establishes a strong foundation for the future of Technical Maintenance and Operational Support employees at Air Canada.
The agreement runs from April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2030.
About the IAM
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is one of North America’s largest and most respected labour organizations, representing more than 600,000 active and retired members, including tens of thousands across Canada in the air transport, aerospace, manufacturing, health care, hospitality, transportation, and service sectors. The IAM is dedicated to improving the lives of working people through collective bargaining, political action, organizing, education, and community engagement.
Media Contact:
info@iamaw.ca
Website: www.iamunion.ca
