Release #01.30
April 6, 2001

TORONTO, ONT. – On Wednesday, April 4, the Canada Industrial Relations Board announced that the collective bargaining rights for the pilots of the former Canadi>n Airlines were transferred from the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), to the Air Canada Pilots Association, the independent union representing Air Canada pilots.

The CIRB’s decision to transfer the pilots’ bargaining rights came immediately upon the announcement of the results of the pilots’ representation vote. The run-off election to decide the bargaining agent for all the pilots at Air Canada was held as a result of the merger of the two airlines.

"ALPA wishes to congratulate ACPA for its success in the pilot election, and looks forward to a cooperative working relationship in the future," said Capt. Duane Woerth, ALPA president. Under the terms of the complex ruling issued by the Board, ACPA immediately assumes responsibility for the representation of all of the pilots at Air Canada. However, ALPA has been asked to participate in an expedited process for the resolution of several difficult labour issues, including pensions, that remain outstanding between the pilots at the former Canadi>n Airlines and their new employer. Captain Woerth added, "We are very pleased that the CIRB has recognized the importance of these issues, and ALPA is prepared to assist the new bargaining agent in the resolution of these questions in a manner that is fair to the Canadi>n pilots."

ALPA represents 59,000 airline pilots at 48 airlines in the U.S. and Canada. Its Web site is http://cf.alpa.org.

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ALPA CONTACT: John Mazor or Anya Piazza, (703) 481-4440