Solution needed for the future of Canadian Aerospace say union, industry

02 November, 2019
For immediate release

Ottawa, ON – “The IAM and industry stakeholders must plan for major labour shortages and that plan must include all levels of government and a long-range plan,” said Keith Aiken, Air Transportation Co-ordinator for IAM Canada.

Aiken attended the Canadian Council for Aviation and Aerospace (CCAA) Labour Market Strategy Event in Ottawa, held on October 23-24, 2019. Industry stake holders discussed important issues with regards to the industry.

Ivana Saula, IAM Canadian Research Director, also attended and presented on the panel and discussed what was needed from government and how to align support to address the labour market challenges.

One of the most pressing issues the industry faces is the impending labour shortage. Earlier this year, the IAM Canada published Grounded Potential, (download the PDF) an alarming report on the projected upcoming labour shortfalls in the Canadian aerospace industry.

Aerospace is the single biggest contributor to the Canadian Economy, employing 208,000 workers and contributing $28 billion annually to the Canadian economy. As discussed in the report, 41% of skilled trades people are of retirement age within the next few years. The Aerospace Industry Association of Canada (AIAC) believes that by 2025, 55,000 workers will be needed.

“IAM Canada believes we need a strategic approach to upcoming labour shortages and will work closely with the Canadian Council for Aviation and Aerospace and industry stakeholders to develop an industrial policy to ensure the flight path will remain smooth. The roles of the three levels of government will be critical,” said Saula.

Stakeholders will be meeting over the coming months to plot that flight plan. The IAM represents close to 10,000 members working in the Canadian aerospace sector.

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INFORMATION: IAM Canada – (416) 386-1789

Keith Aiken,
Keith Aiken, Air Transportation Co-ordinator, IAM Canada
kaiken@iamaw.org

Ivana Saula,
IAM Canadian Research Director
isaula@iamaw.org