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	Air Navigation Technologists Work Without a Contract; Struggle Highlights Perils of Privatization

Across Canada, approximately 800 IBEW electronic technologists employed by Nav Canada—the nation’s air navigation system (ANS) service—have worked for nearly 1,000 days without a contract. The lack of an agreement is part of their struggle to obtain justice from their employer; they also have been effectively denied their right to strike.

These IBEW Local 2228 technologists and technicians install and maintain the electronic equipment that air traffic controllers operate. Local 2228’s head office is located in Ottawa, Ontario.

In 1996 Canada’s air navigation system was privatized and Nav Canada took over air traffic control and related ANS functions. Over 6,300 government employees, represented by eight unions, transferred over to Nav Canada, the privatized equivalent of the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration.

"Since the incumbent CEO was hired, Nav Canada has been totally adversarial in its approach to labour relations," said IBEW Local 2228 Business Manager Paul C. Morse. "Our members began work with the new Nav Canada in 1996 with 200 percent enthusiasm, but today they are disillusioned and frustrated by the company’s unfair treatment and refusal to bargain."

Privatization has come at a big cost to workers and the traveling public. Nav Canada quickly began implementing layoffs and cutbacks. Cost-

cutting measures included major staff reductions, forced relocations, maintenance "hubbing" and reduced frequency of system maintenance—all cutbacks that create increasingly stressful demands on air navigation system employees and work against the inherent safety function of air traffic control.

"These highly trained IBEW Nav Canada members are providing one of the most vital jobs in Canada—making the skies safe for travel and keeping air traffic going," said IBEW International President Edwin W. Hill. "It is a sign of their dedication that they continue to do their jobs despite management’s blatant unfairness."

With the airline industry in turmoil—particularly since the downturn in air travel that followed the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001—and the war waged on union workers, both airline and ANS employees have faced devastating layoffs and demands for contract concessions.

"Since 1996, Nav Canada has downsized the IBEW bargaining unit by 20 percent," said Morse. "The company changed top union jobs to management positions, stalled contract negotiations, demanded labour concessions, implemented extended wage freezes and put up continuing roadblocks to a negotiated resolution."

"Nav Canada has refused to negotiate with the IBEW since September 2001 despite a stabilization of air traffic and Nav Canada’s income," Business Manager Morse wrote to Canada’s Minister of Labour in February 2003. The agreement expired August 31, 2000.

Nav Canada’s eight labour unions, representing 4,800 workers, are fighting a Nav Canada wage freeze as contract renewal negotiations continue for many.

IBEW First District International Vice President Donald Lounds currently is speaking with the Canadian Labour Congress in an attempt to generate broad labour movement support for the Nav Canada workers. "The bleeding of these workers has got to stop," Vice President Lounds said.

"In good times Nav Canada gives the money to the airlines (in reduced airline user fees) and in bad times it wants the employees to pay by reducing wages," Morse said. "When the industry is up, there’s nothing for employees. When the industry is down, the company wants take-backs."