by Jen Mallia
Last updated: 10:45 AM ET, Fri July 24, 2026
Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW) union at Air Canada have voted to ratify the contract negotiated on their behalf. While the majority voted for the contract, it was far from an overwhelming endorsement, with just 56.65 percent of the votes cast in favour. Members were also asked on the ballot if they were in favour of going on strike, to which 73.33 percent of the voters responded yes, although since the contract passed, a strike is not necessary.
The IAMAW represents 11,000 employees in the Technical Operations, Maintenance and Operational Support (TMOS) group, which includes Technical Operations, Airports and Cargo, Logistics and Supply, and Cabin Services employees under three separate contracts. The most recent ratification by the airline’s TMOS employees follow earlier ratifications by its 170 Finance employees and 115 Clerical employees who are also represented by IAMAW.
With a slim majority in favour of the contract, it will now go into effect, running retroactively from April 1, 2026 and for the next four years, until March 31, 2030.
The airline welcomed the ratification, the last of six contracts it has negotiated with unions this year.
“The commitment shown by both Air Canada and the IAMAW throughout these negotiations reflects our shared objective of reaching meaningful agreements that support our employees and the company’s continued growth. A key priority for us was further acknowledging the skilled expertise and valuable contributions of our TMOS employees,” says Michael Rousseau, President and Chief Executive Officer at Air Canada. “Now that new agreements have been successfully concluded with all major unions after the expiration of the previous long-term contracts, we are well-positioned to advance our New Frontiers strategic plans and deliver even greater value to Air Canada’s stakeholders,”.
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