Pilots at Exploits Valley Air Services (EVAS), represented by Unifor Local 2002, have voted unanimously in favour of authorizing a strike if ongoing contract negotiations fail to produce a fair agreement by Oct. 22, 2024. According to Unifor, the vote, conducted online on Oct. 8 and 9, demonstrates the pilots’ unified stance on securing better compensation and improved working conditions.
The strike authorization allows Unifor to call for a work stoppage at EVAS, a Gander-based airline that provides cargo transport and medevac services, if a settlement is not reached. The union stated that it is prepared to negotiate with a conciliator on Oct. 21, though EVAS has not yet responded to the union’s invitation.
“Our members are highly skilled and valued workers in the sky,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “They deserve to be shown respect and paid a fair wage.”
Unifor Local 2002 President Tammy Moore added that key concerns include addressing a wage gap with other airlines, establishing scheduling protections, and ensuring a work-life balance that mitigates recruitment issues. “While our goal remains to reach a negotiated settlement without disruption, this vote demonstrates our members’ resolve to secure a collective agreement recognizing their essential contributions to EVAS Air,” Moore said.
EVAS employs 18 union members as captains and first officers. The company is facing demands to align its wage and working conditions with industry standards to improve pilot retention and recruitment. Unifor, Canada’s largest private-sector union, represents approximately 320,000 workers across various sectors.