AMFA National

An independent aircraft craft/trade union committed to the highest safety standards. Safety in the Air Begins with Quality Maintenance on the Ground.

[AMFA National @amfa_national]

Wilkie Thompson reminds us with Vernon Dahmer Sr.'s words: “If you don’t vote, you don’t count.” Express how you feel. Use your voice. Don’t let someone else decide your future.

Ballots due before February 12th—get yours in NOW! 💪

@amfalocal32 @AMFALocal14

[AMFA National @amfa_national]

Today, AMFA National President Bret Oestreich and National Secretary/Treasurer Rui Leonardo had the privilege of visiting the University of the District of Columbia's Aviation Maintenance Technology Program at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, where we presented A&P student and AMFA scholarship recipient Diarra Trim with a $2,000 award.

Congratulations, Diarra! Your willingness to step up, challenge yourself, and pursue a career in aircraft maintenance represents exactly what our craft needs for the future.
We also want to recognize all of the students who are willing to step outside their comfort zones, learn something difficult, ask questions, get their hands dirty, and take on the responsibility that comes with becoming an Aircraft Maintenance Technician. It takes courage to choose this profession and dedication to become good at it.

But we especially want to recognize the dedicated instructors. Behind every successful A&P student are instructors who give their time, knowledge, patience, and experience — often with little or no recognition. They are passing along decades of knowledge and preparing the next generation to carry forward a craft where skill, professionalism, and safety matter every single day.

To the instructors and staff at UDC: thank you for the warm welcome, for showing us your outstanding facility, and, most importantly, for the work you do every day for these students and for our profession.

Supporting students like Diarra — and supporting the instructors who prepare them — is an investment in the future of our craft, our industry, and aviation safety.

Congratulations again, Diarra. And to every student and instructor helping build the next generation of Aircraft Maintenance Technicians: we see you, we appreciate you, and your work matters.

#AMFA #AircraftMaintenance #AviationMaintenance #AviationSafety #NextGenTechnicians #AMT #AviationEducation

[AMFA National @amfa_national]

National President's Update - Q2 2026

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

Full Update Link: https://t.co/N2raY2kyjU

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.

[AMFA National @amfa_national]

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

Link:
https://t.co/sCcKUwnAYO

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.

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

[AMFA National @amfa_national]

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.

[AMFA National @amfa_national]

Today, AMFA National President Bret Oestreich and National Secretary-Treasurer Rui Leonardo had a quick visit at the Sun Country Airlines maintenance hangar in MSP. We spent a short time on the floor listening to aircraft maintenance technicians and related professionals about safety, staffing, and how our first collective bargaining agreement is being implemented in the real world.

Thank you to our Sun Country members for sharing candid feedback and for the critical work you do every day to keep the operation running. Their expertise keeps passengers safe and our industry moving, and visits like this help ensure their voices stay front and center.

[AMFA National @amfa_national]

Press Release: CIRB Certifies AMFA at Ornge Air
Jun 02, 2026

For Immediate Release

Link: https://t.co/6tVCcXfs02

MISSISSAUGA, ON – June 2, 2026 – The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) has been certified by the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) as the bargaining agent for Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs) and related skilled trades at Ornge Air, following a 98.5% majority vote in favor of AMFA.

“There is a major trade-specific labor movement occurring across North America,” said Bret Oestreich, AMFA National President. “This result reflects a broader shift in our industry—aircraft maintenance professionals are demanding representation that aligns with their skills, responsibilities, and safety-critical role. AMFA’s proven track record across North America shows that a one-craft union delivers the strength, focus, and results these professionals expect from their union. Our continued growth in Canada demonstrates that AMEs are seeking a stronger, more focused voice, and AMFA provides that platform—one dedicated entirely to the aviation maintenance profession.”

[AMFA National @amfa_national]

AMFA UNION OFFICER OF THE YEAR AWARD — 2025

At this year's JAC meeting, AMFA National proudly recognized a remarkable achievement by presenting the annual AMFA Union Officer of the Year Award for 2025. While AMFA is fortunate to have numerous deserving officers across the Association, this award honors the individual who exemplifies what it truly means to serve — recognizing not just leadership, but commitment, professionalism, integrity, and a relentless dedication to standing up for our members.

This year, the award was presented to Chuck Clum, Former AMFA Airline Representative (ALR) and Horizon Air AMT, with an outstanding 37 years in the aviation industry. Chuck's career and service to AMFA reflect the very best of what our Association stands for, and his contributions to our members and to the craft have left a lasting impact that will be felt for years to come.

Congratulations, Chuck, on this well-deserved recognition.

[AMFA National @amfa_national]

2,000+ ballots. Destroyed. 🗳️❌

Air Canada's Aircraft Maintenance Engineers followed every step of the legal process to choose their union.

The CIRB's response? Revoke their certification and shred their votes.

In May of 2025, TechOps employees voted overwhelmingly in favour of AMFA in an election ordered by the CIRB following its fragmentation of the Technical Maintenance and Operational Support (TMOS) group at Air Canada. Sensing that they had lost their hold on the newly established TechOps unit, the IAMAW pulled all available legal levers, including a request to seal and destroy the results of the vote.

Today, they're outside the CIRB's own offices in Toronto to demand answers.
These are the licensed professionals keeping Canadian aircraft safe. They deserve a voice.

📍 800 Bay Street, Toronto
🗓️ Today | 11:00am – 2:00pm
#Toronto #AME #AircraftMaintenance #LabourRights #AirCanada #CIRB

[AMFA National @amfa_national]

Air Canada's aircraft maintenance engineers are speaking out. 🛠️✈️

After 16+ months of proceedings, the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) revoked the bargaining unit certification of Air Canada AMEs and skilled maintenance trades — and ordered the destruction of over 2,000 employee ballots.

These are licensed, highly specialized professionals who followed every step of the legal process under the Canada Labour Code to choose their own union representation. That choice was taken away.

Demonstrations took place yesterday in Vancouver and Montreal. This isn't just a labour dispute. It's a question of democratic rights in the workplace.

What does it mean for the future of aircraft maintenance — and aviation safety — in Canada when experienced professionals feel unheard?

[AMFA National @amfa_national]

Press Release: AMFA Files Federal Action to Prevent CIRB's Proposed Destruction of Employee Ballots

May 20, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Ian Evershed
Phone: [phone]
Email: [email protected]

MISSISSAUGA, ON – May 20, 2026 – On Monday, May 18, 2026, the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) filed an action in the Federal Court of Appeal to prevent the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB or “Board”) from destroying the ballots of Air Canada employees from an election that the Board itself had previously authorized.

On May 7, 2025, the Board issued a decision recognizing that the collective bargaining rights of Air Canada maintenance employees had been compromised by their prior inclusion in a bargaining unit dominated by unskilled co-workers represented by the International Association of Aerospace Workers (IAMAW). In a supplementary decision issued November 18, 2025, the Board found that compelling maintenance employees to remain within a bargaining unit with divergent interests:

* deprived employees of meaningful representation; and,
* was not conducive to peaceful labour relations.

The Board determined that the majority of maintenance employees supported an independent bargaining unit and therefore authorized an election to determine which union – AMFA or the IAMAW – would represent these employees going forward.

Employees submitted their ballots, with the result deemed inevitable as an overwhelming majority of these employees had previously submitted authorization cards to the Board seeking AMFA representation. Nevertheless, on May 6, 2026, a CIRB “reconsideration panel” chaired by former Air Canada outside counsel Maryse Tremblay reversed the Board’s own decision and ordered the destruction of the employees’ ballots.

AMFA has denounced the Board’s decision to extinguish maintenance employees’ voting rights as an exercise of naked political power. Workers are encouraged to demonstrate their own political power by writing their MPs and demanding action.

AMFA will continue the parallel track of legal action to preserve employees’ ballots and allow them to be counted.

More information about AMFA organizing at Air Canada https://t.co/Ps1tV0ZOpE

###

The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association is a craft-oriented, independent aviation union representing technicians and related employees throughout the aviation industry. AMFA members work directly on aircraft and/or components, support equipment, and facilities. AMFA is committed to elevating the professional standing of aviation technicians and to achieving progressive improvements in wages, benefits, and working conditions of the skilled professionals it represents.

[AMFA National @amfa_national]

✈️ Air Canada TechOps Employees Speak Out

Today, Air Canada Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs) and skilled trade professionals are holding a peaceful informational picket at Montreal–Trudeau Airport (YUL).

More than 15 months ago, TechOps employees submitted evidence showing that over 93% of AMEs support AMFA (Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association) as their union representative. This marked a major step toward achieving craft-specific representation for AMEs and skilled trades at Air Canada.
The vote results have since been sealed, but the outcome is clear: TechOps employees chose AMFA.

Ongoing legal challenges from IAMAW have delayed that decision, leaving workers without the representation they democratically selected.

This demonstration is about one thing: the right to choose—while reminding Air Canada and the public that no labor dispute should move forward while workers’ fundamental rights remain unresolved.

[AMFA National @amfa_national]

✈️ Air Canada TechOps Employees Speak Out

Today, Air Canada AMEs and skilled trade professionals held a peaceful informational picket at YUL.

Over 93% of AMEs have shown support for AMFA, yet after 15+ months, legal challenges from IAMAW continue to delay their right to choose their union.

This is not a strike—it's a stand for fair representation and union democracy.

#AMFA #UnionDemocracy #WorkersRights #YUL #AviationMaintenance #IAMAW #AME

[AMFA National @amfa_national]

National President's Update - Q1 2026

To: AMFA Members
Re: National President’s Update - Q1 2026

Date: April 13, 2026

Full Update Link: https://t.co/gsOqJliPLE

Dear Members:

As we close the first quarter of 2026, I am pleased to report that AMFA has experienced one of the most consequential three-month periods in our union’s recent history. From a historic representation election victory that strengthened our union, to a hard-won first tentative agreement at Sun Country Airlines, to a productive visit to Washington, D.C., where we recognized outstanding legislative allies, to continued progress on the Air Canada certification campaign, your union is advancing on every front—with the craft-specific focus, democratic structure, and independent voice that has always defined the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association.

This update covers January through March 2026. Beginning with this edition, AMFA will deliver a National President’s Membership Update every quarter in 2026, so every member at every represented carrier stays fully informed on where we stand and where we are headed.

Full Update Link: https://t.co/gsOqJliPLE

[AMFA National @amfa_national]

Last week, members of the AMFA Accident Investigation Team (AIT) attended the Advanced Commercial Aviation Accident Investigation Course at the FAA/NTSB training facility in Oklahoma City.

Representing AMFA were Dennis Tapper (Southwest Airlines), Carl Hiebert (Calm Air), and Kevin Koski (WestJet Airlines), along with Tom Wiggins, AMFA’s National Safety & Standards Director.

This advanced training strengthens AMFA’s continued commitment to safety, professionalism, and expertise in accident investigation—ensuring our members remain leaders in maintaining the highest industry standards

[AMFA National @amfa_national]

✈️ AMFA on Capitol Hill:
This month, the AMFA Legislative Team was in Washington, D.C. to present the AMFA Legislator of the Year Awards to two senators who continue to stand with our craft and our mission.
Senator Tammy Duckworth was recognized for her leadership in securing military transition language to support aircraft maintenance technician veterans.

Senator Shelley Moore Capito was honored for her leadership on the Global Aviation Security Act, strengthening our industry and our profession, and for helping advance key legislative goals.

AMFA is proud of the progress achieved in the 2024 FAA Reauthorization Bill, which includes important provisions that elevate the work of aircraft maintenance technicians and support aviation safety.

#AMFA #AviationSafety #AircraftTechnicians #FAA2024 #LaborAdvocacy

[AMFA National @amfa_national]

We are deeply saddened by the loss of the two Jazz Aviation pilots in the tragic accident at LaGuardia. Our hearts are with their families, loved ones, and all of our colleagues in the cockpit and across the Jazz and ALPA community during this unbearable time.

We also extend our sincere thoughts to the flight attendants, passengers, and the firefighting and rescue personnel who were injured. We wish each of them strength, healing, and a full recovery in the days and weeks ahead.

In sorrow and solidarity, the aircraft maintenance professionals of Jazz Aviation and the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) stand shoulder to shoulder with our pilot colleagues, cabin crew, and first responders as we all navigate this tragedy together.

[AMFA National @amfa_national]

AMFA National President Issued the Following Statement on the Tragic Air Canada Express Accident

Link: https://t.co/K3IxmNzphc

March 23, 2026

AMFA President Bret Oestreich, Issued the Following Statement on the Tragic Air Canada Express Accident:

“The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association and its aircraft maintenance members at Jazz Aviation are heartbroken by the tragic loss of two Jazz Aviation pilots in the accident involving Air Canada Express Flight 8646 at LaGuardia Airport.

These pilots were more than colleagues—they were our teammates in the shared mission of safely transporting passengers every day. We grieve alongside their families, friends, fellow pilots, and all members of the Jazz Aviation and ALPA community. When we lose pilots, we lose members of our aviation family

[AMFA National @amfa_national]

ORNGE AMEs & SKILLED TRADE PROFESSIONALS GET TO VOTE FOR REPRESENTATION ELECTION BETWEEN AMFA & OPEIU

March 6, 2026

Link:
https://t.co/awLSlati73

On February 24, 2026, the Canada Industrial Relations Board ("Board") ordered a representation vote between AMFA and the OPEIU to determine which union will represent the maintenance employees at Ornge. The Board’s Industrial Relations Officer has recently indicated that the vote will open on March 11, 2026. Voting links will be sent directly to each employee’s company email address. AMFA encourages everyone to vote early in case there are issues with the voting links.

[AMFA National @amfa_national]

AIR CANADA TECHOPS MEMBERS PETITION TO IAMAW CONFIRMS RESULTS OF SEALED VOTE

February 28, 2026

Despite legal stall tactics pursued by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW) and delayed decisions by the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB), Air Canada TechOps employees have refused to remain silent. Last week, TechOps employees submitted a petition to the IAMAW bearing the names and signatures of 1637 current union members, demanding a pause to negotiations until the current representation dispute has been settled. This petition confirms the undeniable reality of last year’s representation election.
FULL MEMO LINK:
https://t.co/RIvfTEejcr