United Airlines has announced it is cutting 85 jobs in Vancouver and several more in Calgary and Toronto.
Canadian operations will be outsourced beginning in 90 days, Christen David, spokeswoman for United Airlines, told Business in Vancouver.
"These were difficult decisions, but necessary as we must continually look for new opportunities to run a more efficient and financially sustainable business," David said.
United said the decision to outsource was based on competitive bids, evaluating each of Vancouver, Calgary and Toronto separately.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) union represents the 85 Vancouver staff, as well as 58 members in Calgary. Positions affected include both ticketing agents and ground handling staff.
"The IAM has been bargaining in good faith with United Airlines to reach a revised collective agreement for our members in Vancouver and Calgary for the past nine months and not once did the airline raise the issue of subcontracting the operation at the bargaining table," said IAM District Lodge 140 general chairperson Tania Canniff.
"These workers are devastated and shocked at the level of contempt they experience from their own employer."
Unifor represents the 94 customer service staff whose jobs were cut in Toronto. A press release from the union said these staff members' jobs will wrap up June 1.
"This is a devastating blow to an experienced workforce that has a proven record of performing their duties to the highest standards," said Unifor national president Jerry Dias.
Dias said the layoffs and outsourcing are unacceptable and should be reversed.
He said workers in federally regulated sectors are not protected, blaming the laws currently in place.
"There are little or no statutory protections when it comes to successor rights," Dias said.
"Companies can hide behind laws that allow them to strip workers of their right to be represented, since the new employer will not be bound by the collective agreement."
Dias has requested that United representatives meet with him immediately to discuss this move.
United Airlines told Business in Vancouver that the number of flights across Canada would not be affected.
