Sept 11, 2024
Fredericton, NB
The Chambers of Commerce for Fredericton, Greater Moncton, and the Saint John region have jointly communicated their deep concern to the Government of Canada regarding the potential strike by the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) which represents more than 5,200 pilots at Air Canada.
Talks between the airline and union are continuing, but both parties appear to remain far apart and a potential strike looms on September 18th following a mandated three-week cooling-off period. Air Canada and its subsidiary, Air Canada Rouge, operate nearly 670 flights daily, which carry as many as 120,000 travellers for business or other essential reasons such as for health care, to visit family and friends, or vacations. Even a short suspension will have major consequences, some of which cannot be recovered.
The chambers respect the rights of unions and skilled professionals to achieve meaningful compensation. Pilots are valued partners in our goal of growth and expansion of transportation options both domestic and international. In the letter sent today, however, we express that the primary issue of our hard-earned recovery and the economic momentum finally achieved following the difficult pandemic era must take precedence. This is our goal, and the urban chambers of commerce of New Brunswick call for committed action to resolve any impasse and achieve a timely resolution through an agreed framework to settle any disputes.
We fear the destabilizing effects of a national airlines strike in terms of economic, health, tourism and immigration services would be devastating to our respective communities, affecting all forms of growth established within the urban centres of New Brunswick and the province as a whole.
Our airports represent necessary and vital points of access for international companies, small- and medium-sized businesses, higher education institutions, health and safety services, tourism and large industries. The chambers of commerce of Fredericton, Greater Moncton and the Saint John region are active partners and stakeholders of the Fredericton International Airport (YFC), the Greater Moncton Romeo LeBlanc International Airport (YQM) and the Saint John Airport (YSJ) respectively. These airports are integral parts of the economic development, tourism, immigration services and the proliferation of employment opportunities in our communities and of our province.
The letter represents our inherent community perspective representing the province of New Brunswick, Atlantic Canadian realities and a continual need to expand connections across Canada. A uniquely Canadian resolution representing fair and sustainable compensation practices is the only path forward.
As we work to solidify all aspects of our hard-earned growth, any form of disruption to services deemed essential in our communities must be avoided and remaining issues of conflict resolved through an equitable resolution process.
The Chambers of Commerce of Fredericton, Greater Moncton and the Saint John region stand prepared to collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure a future of sustained growth for New Brunswick.
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The Fredericton Chamber of Commerce, a nationally accredited organization with more than 1,000 members, is an active business organization engaged in policy development and advocacy that affects the competitiveness of our members and the Canadian business environment. The Chamber’s vision is ‘Stronger Community Through Business Prosperity.’
Contact: Morgan Peters, CEO, Fredericton Chamber of Commerce – (506) 451-9742; ceo@frederictonchamber.ca.
