Unifor delegates talk aerospace with MPs on Parliament Hill

OTTAWA, April 16, 2018 /CNW/ - A delegation of 25 members from Unifor are discussing strategies to strengthen the aerospace sector with Members of Parliament for most of this week.

"Unifor members are here on Parliament Hill this week to advocate for collaborative planning from industry, labour and all levels of government," said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. "Strengthening strategic government investment and maintaining employment quality are essential for the aerospace industry to remain prosperous."

Delegates from across Canada, with representation from Quebec, Ontario, British Columbia, Nova Scotia and Manitoba, are in Ottawa meeting with Members of Parliament to present viable solutions to protect and strengthen the aerospace industry. The delegation of Unifor members represents more than 11,000 workers that the union represents in various aerospace industries, including: commercial aircraft, component parts, overhaul and maintenance, as well as space technology.

"Aerospace employs a highly skilled workforce and contributes significantly to the country's gross domestic product," said Renaud Gagné, Unifor Quebec Director. "Given the valuable contributions the aerospace industry makes to the economy, it is crucial that we all work proactively for its continued success."

The delegation will discuss ways of maintaining high quality employment with security and compensation for workers, and ensuring that concrete benefits flow to government and communities from investments in the industry. Unifor's recommendations are outlined in its new policy document titled Soaring Higher. The strategic policy document was released Thursday and calls for collaborative planning from industry, labour, and all levels of government to maintain the aerospace industry, along with enhancing workforce development and creating an aerospace development council to bring together various stakeholders. The document is available for viewing and download at unifor.org/aerospacepolicy.

Jerry Dias, Unifor National President and Renaud Gagné, Unifor Quebec Director are available for further comment and will be in Ottawa on Wednesday, April 18 as part of the week-long lobbying efforts.

Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.

SOURCE Unifor