Aveos Ex-Employees' Class Action Against Air Canada Gets Green Light

MONTREAL, May 15, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - Aveos former employees who were laid off following the company's insolvency have taken an important step in their quest for justice. In a judgment dated May 15^th, 2018, Justice Jean-François Michaud of the Quebec Superior Court authorized a national class action filed against Air Canada on their behalf.

The class action seeks compensation for several thousand persons, namely workers who were employed at Air Canada's overhaul and maintenance centers in Montreal, Winnipeg and Mississauga when Aveos closed on March 18^th, 2012, as well as the spouses, heirs and assigns of these workers.

The class members' representative, Mr. Gilbert McMullen, alleges a violation of the Air Canada Public Participation Act. Until amended by Parliament in June of 2016, this Act required Air Canada to operate maintenance and overhaul centers in Winnipeg, Mississauga and in the Montreal Urban Community. The Superior Court and five judges of the Quebec Court of Appeal unanimously concluded that Air Canada had indeed contravened this Act. The class action also alleges that Air Canada acted in bad faith, including by deliberately provoking the collapse of Aveos, an issue that may give rise to punitive damages.

Justice Michaud wrote: "The Court considers that Mr. McMullen has demonstrated a serious colour of right (...). The allegations of violation of the Act are supported by the chronology of events and reveal that Air Canada has significantly reduced maintenance and overhaul activities at the Centers. These facts were found by Castonguay J. and the Court of Appeal."

While it is difficult at this time to assess the amount that Air Canada may be required to pay, the plaintiff's attorneys estimate that it could reach more than $100 million.

Class members do not have to register to benefit from any judgment or settlement, but they are encouraged to register to class counsel's mailing list in order to be made aware of important developments in the file: http://tjl.quebec/en/class-action/aircanada/. A copy of the judgment can be found at the same address.

SOURCE Trudel Johnston & Lesperance