2012-02-14 14:28:12 -

OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwire) -- 02/14/12 --
This document corrects and replaces the press release that was sent today at 7:40 am ET.
The Honourable Lisa Raitt, Canada's Labour Minister, met yesterday with representatives from Air Canada and the Air Canada Pilots Association to encourage both parties to continue working towards a deal.

"The Government has been closely following the negotiations between Air Canada and the Air Canada Pilots Association," said Minister Raitt. "We believe that a work stoppage at Air Canada is contrary to the best interest of hard-working Canadians, Canadian businesses and the already fragile economy."
The collective agreement covering approximately 3 000 pilots expired on
March 31, 2011. The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) provided a conciliator to work with the parties for more than two months and a mediator is currently assisting both parties in their negotiations.
"I will continue to do everything within my power to encourage an agreement between the parties, one that protects the interests of the pilots, Air Canada and the travelling public," said Minister Raitt. "The Government believes in the principles of free collective bargaining and has made the resources of the FMCS available to both parties in an effort to help reach a negotiated agreement, That is why we have offered the parties a new mediator and a six-month process to assist them in settling this dispute."
Section 105 of the Canada Labour Code grants the Minister of Labour, upon request or on the Minister's own initiative, the right to appoint mediators to confer with parties in a labour dispute and to assist them in reaching an agreement.
The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service was established to provide dispute resolution and dispute prevention assistance to trade unions and employers under the jurisdiction of the Canada Labour Code.
This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.

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Contacts:

Ashley Kelahear

Press Secretary

Office of Minister Raitt

819-953-5646


Media Relations Office

Human Resources and Skills Development Canada

819-994-5559