Air Canada defends grievance from the IAMAW regarding its recall process

Jackie VanDerMeulen represented Air Canada in successfully defending two group grievances filed by the International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers (IAMAW) union.  In the grievances, the IAMAW challenged Air Canada's process for recalling certain bargaining unit employees to work following a layoff, arguing that the company's process violated seniority rights under the collective agreement.  The dispute related to the interpretation of a memorandum agreed to between the parties several years ago that granted certain layoff rights.  The IAMAW took the position that these layoff rights also extended to the recall process.  However, the Arbitrator disagreed, finding that Air Canada had correctly applied its obligations under the collective agreement and denied the grievances.