New agreement signed for Air Inuit in Laval, Que., after 2 years of talks

Federal mediators involved in talks: Union

About 160 pilots and flight attendants employed by Air Inuit in Laval, Que., ratified a new collective agreement on March 7 that guarantees peace with the air carrier until 2023.

Teamsters Local Union 1999 has represented Air Inuit workers since 1996.

Non-monetary and monetary clauses will be enhanced in the new contract, said the union.

Negotiations — which began in 2015 — were not without snags. Management proposals were rejected by Teamsters members twice before being ratified. The assistance of conciliators and mediators from the federal mediators was also required during talks, according to Teamsters.

“I would like to salute the work of the negotiating committee, as well as the patience shown by these workers, who really pulled together for two long years,” said Michel Héroux, chair Teamsters Local 1999.

Air Inuit was founded in 1978. The airline provides freight and passenger service as well as charter and emergency flights in northern Quebec and elsewhere in Canada and the United States. It serves some 21 communities, including 14 villages in Nunavik. Air Inuit operates a fleet of 27 aircraft.

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