In the 2024 Federal Budget, there was a reference to privatization of parts of Canadian Airports. At the time, the IAM Union sought out clarification and held meetings with the Federal Labour Ministers office and the office of the Finance Minister to seek further clarification and advise the Federal Government that the IAM Union was against any privatization whatsoever at Canadian Airports. This past week, the Federal Government provided a policy statement on their intentions with regards to privatization at Canadian airports.

As the federal government continues to push for privatization efforts across Canada’s airports, the IAM Union is calling for a firm stand against this dangerous trend, warning of the detrimental effects it could have on Canadian workers, travelers, and the economy.

David Chartrand, General Vice-President at the IAM Union in Canada, expressed deep concerns over the federal government’s growing encouragement of privatization in Canada’s aviation sector. He emphasized that such actions would suppress wages for airport workers and only serve to line the pockets of private corporations at the expense of Canadian workers and the public.

“Privatization will undermine the quality of services that travelers rely on, from increased fees to reduced accessibility, this isn’t just about workers; this is about the entire Canadian aviation industry. We cannot allow private corporations to prioritize their profits over the needs of the public.” said David Chartrand.

Chartrand further explained that privatizing airports would, decrease job security, and lead to higher costs for travelers, all while enriching private companies.

Airport services should remain under public control to ensure that profits are reinvested into improving services for travelers and strengthening the economy. Public ownership of airports ensures that they are run efficiently, with the needs of Canadians at the forefront.

The IAM represents over 10,000 members across Canada in the aviation industry, we call on both the federal government and airport authorities to halt any moves toward privatization and to focus on investing in the workers and infrastructure that make Canada’s airports a vital part of the country’s transportation network.

The IAM Union is one of North America’s largest and most diverse industrial trade unions, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries across North America.