Local Strike!

Today marks the first time in my 5+ year career as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) that I’m stepping onto a strike line. When I began this career, I was proud and excited to do such important work—keeping aircraft safe, supporting military operations, and believing that my skills would provide me with a stable, respectable living. But now, I find myself having to strike simply to survive the reality of inflation in British Columbia and to fight for fair compensation that reflects the value of our work.

As an AME working on military aircraft, I’ve been directly involved in missions that make a difference. One powerful example: I helped maintain the C-130s used to evacuate people during the wildfires in Manitoba. One of those aircraft endured over 7 Gs of force escaping the flames. That’s the level of pressure and performance these machines—and the crews behind them—are capable of. Our work literally saves lives. We take pride in every bolt, inspection, and system check, knowing the stakes are high.

Despite this, we are not paid accordingly. At Cascade Aerospace, we are currently the lowest-paid AMEs across the board. It’s disheartening to see job postings requiring less experience and no specialized training offering higher pay than what I make today. Other major players in aviation—Air Canada, WestJet, Jazz—have taken a stand for fair wages. Now, it’s our turn.

This isn’t just about money. It’s about respect for a profession that is absolutely critical to safety, national security, and education. These aircraft don’t just transport—they protect, rescue, and train the next generation. I love my job and I’m proud to be an AME, but I also want to see a future where more people—especially women—are encouraged to enter this field without being discouraged by the lack of recognition and proper compensation.

We need real change, not only for ourselves but for the future of aviation maintenance in Canada. I ask for your support as we strike with Unifor Local 114—for fair wages, for dignity in our work, and for the next generation of AMEs.