ALPA Canada Welcomes Government Appointments
OTTAWA, ONT.—Captain Tim Perry, President of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) Canada, issued the following statement today after the Government of Canada announced its cabinet appointments:
“As the world’s largest pilot union and nongovernmental aviation safety organization, ALPA continues to play a significant role in addressing the safety and collective bargaining rights of over 95% of Canada’s unionized professional pilots employed by 21 air carriers across Canada.
“As we continue our focus on aviation safety and advancing the fundamental rights of employees, including pilots, ALPA Canada looks forward to working with the newly appointed Minister of Transport Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Jobs and Families Patty Hajdu, and Secretary of State (Labour) John Zerucelli.
“As a trusted stakeholder in aviation safety, ALPA Canada provides a unique perspective on the impact of government policy and the issues facing Canada’s airline industry.
“Pilot input is critical to achieving the highest safety standards for Canada’s air transportation system, and it means a higher level of safety for both the aircrew and the travelling public. We encourage Minister Freeland to include ALPA Canada in any future discussions on Canada’s aviation regulatory framework and the implementation of any aviation-specific policies.
“One issue in particular that has the attention of our members is any possible exemption to the FTDT rules. In response, our message is clear: We vehemently oppose any attempt by commercial operators to weaken or suspend pilot fatigue regulations.
“We remain committed to collaborating with Minister Hajdu on reforms to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, which should include ongoing consultation with the unions that represent employees impacted by the hiring of temporary foreign workers.
“We also look forward to having engagement with Secretary Zerucelli on safeguarding the collective bargaining process and preventing government intervention into it.”
Founded in 1931, ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents more than 79,000 pilots at 42 U.S. and Canadian airlines. Visit ALPA.org or follow us on Twitter @ALPAPilots.
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CONTACT: ALPA Media, 703-481-4440 or Media@alpa.org
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