Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA)

09/07/2026

Happy Labour Day/Labor Day!

To all the skilled workers who keep our countries running — we honour/honor the people whose labour/labor builds our communities, fuels our economies, and makes everyday life possible.

Every safe landing in the United States and Canada is proof of what skilled labor delivers when it is respected, protected, and paid what it's worth. Aviation Maintenance Professions don't get a "thank you" when we find a problem from the carriers that profit off our work — we get contract fights, outsourcing threats, and understaffed shops. What we have, we organized for. What we're owed, we're still fighting to collect.

These fights are won from the floor up, by skilled aviation professionals who refuse to be an afterthought in an industry that runs on our licenses/certifications and our skilled expertise.

Solidarity this Labour Day/Labor Day, from every frontline aviation professional to every union local.

08/03/2026

AMFA Submits Recommendations for Canadian Labour Code Review, Part 1
Aug 03, 2026

Full Recommendation Link: https://www.amfanational.org/?zone=/unionactive/view_article.cfm&HomeID=1008824

Hon. John Zerucelli, PC, MP
Secretary of State (Labour)
House of Commons
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A1

Dear Minister Zerucelli –

Thank you for the invitation to contribute to the Government of Canada’s review of the Canadian Labour Code (CLC). This is particularly welcome given Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association’s (AMFA) growing role in the Canadian labour movement.

AMFA takes great pride in its representation of an increasing number of Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs) and Aviation Support Professionals working at operators across Canada. We are a craft union focused on improving the lives of our members through industry-leading contracts that reflect the true responsibility and relevance of AMEs in Canadian aviation.

08/03/2026

AMFA’s Submission to the CIRB regarding Collective Bargaining Between the IAMAW and Air Canada
Aug 03, 2026

July 29, 2026 -- The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) hereby files its submission in connection with the July 24, 2026,correspondence from the Board inviting party remarks on recent collective bargaining between the IAMAW and Air Canada.

Legal Document Link: https://www.amfanational.org/index.cfm?zone=/unionactive/view_article.cfm&HomeID=1008823

Air Canada’s TechOps Skilled Aircraft Maintenance Professionals have submitted detailed remarks to the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB), raising fundamental questions about how democratic worker choice is protected in federally regulated workplaces.

Their submission challenges recent CIRB actions that, in their view, undermine confidence in the Board’s impartiality, consistency, and commitment to natural justice under the Canada Labour Code. It specifically addresses the Board’s rare decision to reconsider its own prior reconsideration ruling, and urges greater transparency in how such exceptional powers are exercised.

The submission also highlights the continued involvement of Chairperson Maryse Tremblay in this case, despite formal requests for her recusal due to concerns about real and perceived bias.

For policymakers, regulators, and industry leaders, this is not just a dispute between unions—it is a test of whether Canada’s labour relations framework can reliably safeguard workplace democracy while maintaining long‑term labour stability in critical sectors like aviation.

07/28/2026

National President's Update - Q2 2026

To: AMFA Members
Re: National President’s Update - Q2 2026
Date: July 28, 2026

Full Update Link: https://www.amfanational.org/?zone=/unionactive/view_article.cfm&HomeID=1008572

Dear Members:

The second quarter of 2026 was marked by significant progress across AMFA. From organizing and collective bargaining to legislative advocacy and member representation, our union continued advancing the interests of aircraft maintenance professionals throughout North America.

Most notably, AMFA welcomed our first rotorcraft Aircraft Maintenance Engineers with the certification of Ornge Air in Ontario, further expanding our presence in Canada. We also advanced negotiations, merger activities, legislative initiatives, and contract administration across our represented carriers.

As we move into the second half of 2026, AMFA remains focused on advancing the Alaska-Hawaiian integration, supporting newly organized members, negotiating strong collective bargaining agreements, protecting our existing contracts, and advancing the interests of aircraft maintenance professionals across North America.

Every organizing campaign, negotiated agreement, legislative effort, and workplace victory reflects the strength of a craft-specific union led by and for aviation maintenance professionals.

07/27/2026

Congratulations to AMFA Local 32 member John Buker of Juneau, Alaska, who was presented with the FAA's Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award on July 16, 2026!

Named after the man who built the engine for the Wright brothers' first flight, this award honors 50+ years of safe, professional, and dedicated service in aviation maintenance — one of the highest honors a mechanic can receive.

Local 32 was proud to be there to celebrate this incredible milestone. John's skill, professionalism, and commitment to safety set the standard for all of us.

Congratulations, John!

Special Recognition – John Buker

On July 16, 2026, AMFA Local 32 member John Buker of Juneau, Alaska, was presented with the FAA’s prestigious Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award.

This is one of the highest honors a mechanic can receive. Named after Charles Taylor — the man who built the engine for the Wright brothers’ first flight — the award recognizes 50 or more years of safe, professional, and dedicated service in aviation maintenance.

Local 32 was proud to be present at the presentation and celebrate this major milestone in John’s career. His skill, professionalism, and commitment to safety set a high standard for all of us.

Please join us in congratulating John on this well-deserved achievement!

Congratulations, John! 👏

07/27/2026

Press Release: AMFA Meets with Hawaiian Congressional Delegation to Discuss Integration and Future Representation of Hawaiian Airlines Tech Ops Employees

Link:
https://www.amfanational.org/?zone=/unionactive/view_article.cfm&HomeID=1008508

Jul 27, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON, DC – July 27, 2026 – On July 21 and 22, representatives of the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) met with members of Hawaii’s Congressional Delegation in Washington, DC, including Representative Ed Case (HI-01), Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Senator Brian Schatz (HI), and Senator Mazie Hirono (HI).

The meetings served as an introduction to AMFA as the newly certified collective bargaining representative for the Hawaiian Airlines Technical Operations group, including Aircraft Maintenance Technicians (AMTs) and related employees, following the Alaska Airlines–Hawaiian Airlines merger.

Discussions focused on AMFA’s plans to successfully integrate the Alaska and Hawaiian represented workgroups, the development of a Joint Collective Bargaining Agreement (JCBA), and the path forward toward a single contract covering all represented employees. AMFA emphasized its commitment to protecting jobs, preserving contractual rights, and ensuring that all members are represented fairly and effectively throughout the integration process.

In a separate one-on-one discussion with Representative Ed Case, special attention was given to the protections currently in place for Hawaiian Airlines employees and AMFA’s strategy for securing an industry-leading contract for the combined workforce. Representative Case expressed a desire to remain engaged with AMFA throughout the process and encouraged continued communication as integration and bargaining efforts move forward.

“As AMFA works to unite these two proud workgroups, our focus remains on protecting our members, preserving their rights, and achieving an industry-leading Joint Collective Bargaining Agreement,” said AMFA National President Bret Oestreich. “We appreciate the willingness of Hawaii’s Congressional Delegation to engage with us and learn more about the integration process. AMFA is committed to ensuring that Hawaiian Airlines employees have a strong voice and a secure future as we move toward one contract and one unified workforce.”

AMFA will continue to keep members informed as integration efforts progress and key bargaining milestones are reached.

(Picture Below)
Representative Ed Case (HI-01) (left) and AMFA Director of Government Affairs Rob Cush (right)

07/09/2026

Every time an aircraft takes to the sky, your safety relies on licensed, highly skilled trades professionals in Air Canada Technical Operations—aircraft maintenance engineers and specialized experts whose signatures keep planes in the air. AMFA stands with these professionals to protect jobs in Canada and prioritize safety.

Video: Air Canada Tech Ops professionals carry the responsibility for every safe departure.

07/05/2026

This last week marked a milestone for AMFA Locals 14 and 32 with the launch of their first Shop Representative Training Program in Honolulu.

45 AMFA members from Hawaiian Airlines came together to strengthen their skills in grievance handling, legal rights, and effective workplace representation. The training was led by AMFA Airline Representatives, along with legal experts Lucas Middlebrook and Peter Manikowski.

The program equipped representatives with the tools they need to advocate confidently and effectively, including:

* Legal rights of Shop Representatives
* Grievance origination and presentation
* Weingarten rights and employee protections
* Representation during employer investigations
* Arbitration preparation
* Drug and alcohol testing fundamentals

To every Airline, Shop, and Area Representative who participated in two days of classes: your commitment directly strengthens the membership you serve.

Strong representation starts with informed advocates. This training is another step forward in ensuring our members’ rights are protected every day.

06/19/2026

We are always proud to stand with the next generation of AMTs. AMFA National Officer Rui Leonardo was honored to speak with Tulsa Tech Airframe & Powerplant graduates today.

Congratulations to all the graduates on this milestone, and thank you to Tulsa Tech’s instructors and staff for the invitation and for your commitment to high-quality aviation maintenance training. The future of our craft is in good hands.

06/18/2026

AMFA-L3 Harris MAS Reopener Negotiations Update #3

June 18, 2026

Link: https://www.amfanational.org/index.cfm?zone=/unionactive/view_article.cfm&HomeID=997067

The AMFA-L3 Harris MAS Negotiating Committee (the “Committee”) is providing this update to the Membership at L3 Harris MAS (“L3”). This is the only official source of negotiating communications.

The parties last met in Toronto, Ontario, from June 8-10 in person and continue to meet virtually, to discuss the final details of an agreement in principle that will provide improvements to wages, premiums, and benefits pursuant to Appendix F of the collective agreement. The Union and the Company continue efforts to reach a complete agreement regarding the transition to the CC-330 Strategic Tanker Capability (“STTC”) contract, while making improvements to various articles of the collective agreement. All changes to the collective agreement are subject to ratification by the members.

With respect to both the STTC contract and the existing CC-150 operation, AMFA has tentatively agreed to several amendments to the collective agreement beyond those areas identified in Appendix F. The amendments are designed to secure job protection and expand opportunities throughout the transition period, and also improve work rules, overtime computations, and scope protection. Certain elements of the STTC operation remain in development and will need to be negotiated prior to the arrival of the first CC-330 in the summer of 2027. Transition to the CC-330 program will be voluntary and by seniority, with options for employees to remain with the CC-150 program to completion.

L3 also proposed an extension to the collective agreement from 2029 to 2033, which will be at the Union’s exclusive option to pursue in 2029. If the Union selects the option to extend, applicable wages, premiums, retirement contributions, and benefits will be negotiated at the time of extension.

AMFA legal counsel has also approached the Company’s legal counsel to resolve implementation issues and damages arising out of the Tasking Standby Arbitration with a goal of aligning standby requirements for both the CC-150 and CC-330 fleets. We hope to provide a further update on implementation in the next several days.

Thank you for your support as we develop the final version of the agreement. Once completed, the agreement will be provided to the members in its entirety for their review and consideration. Following the review period, members are encouraged to attend a detailed presentation and Q&A session. After the presentations, members will have the opportunity to cast their vote electronically. Additional details and timelines will be provided as they become available. Your AMFA representatives will continue to provide regular updates throughout the process.

Fraternally,

AMFA-L3 Negotiating Committee