The IAM Union is continuing to speak out against the federal government\u2019s plans to bring private investment into the operation of Canada\u2019s largest airports.<\/p>\n
On September 22, Dave Flowers, President and Directing General Chairperson of IAM District 140, attended a press conference in Ottawa on behalf of the IAM Union to raise concerns about the impact of airport privatization on workers, travelers and communities across Canada.<\/p>\n
The federal government has announced plans to seek private investment through long-term concessions to operate Canada\u2019s four largest airports: Toronto Pearson, Vancouver International, Montr\u00e9al-Trudeau and Calgary International. The government has said it will retain ownership of the land and assets while bringing in private capital and expertise to support airport operations and growth.<\/p>\n
For the IAM Union, Canada\u2019s airports are critical public infrastructure that should continue to serve the public interest.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe represent tens of thousands of workers in airports and across the aviation industry in this country. We know airports and we know flying,<\/em>\u201d said Dave Flowers during the press conference.<\/p>\n Flowers emphasized that Canadian airports were built through public investment and that any shift toward private control raises concerns about affordability, accessibility, labour standards, regional connectivity, public oversight and safety.<\/p>\n \u201cWe need to make sure that Canada\u2019s airports operate for a long-term public good rather than short-term private financial gain,<\/em>\u201d he said.<\/p>\n The IAM Union represents workers across Canada\u2019s aviation sector who play an essential role in keeping the traveling public safe and keeping Canada\u2019s air transportation system moving.<\/p>\n