Unifor statement on fatal aircraft incident at LaGuardia Airport

Unifor is deeply saddened by the loss of life during the tragic aircraft incident at LaGuardia Airport that claimed the lives of two Air Canada Jazz pilots and injured dozens more.

Our thoughts are with the families, friends, and colleagues of the pilots who lost their lives, as well as with all those who were injured and impacted by this devastating event. This loss is being felt across the entire aviation community.

Every day, aviation workers carry immense responsibility to ensure the safety of passengers and crew, often under complex and demanding conditions. This tragedy is a stark reminder of the risks they face in the course of their work.

While the cause of this incident must be determined through a full and independent investigation, it is impossible to ignore the broader pressures facing the aviation industry.

Across North America, aviation workers continue to raise concerns about staffing shortages, increasing workloads, and strained resources that have followed years of disruption and cost-cutting.

In the United States in particular, chronic understaffing and funding challenges, have placed additional pressure on aviation systems and the workers who keep them running safely every day.

Unifor created an Air Transportation Workers' Charter of Rights-to highlight the need for improved working conditions.

We express solidarity with our members across the aviation sector today. Unifor members are directly supporting passengers and families impacted by this tragedy through Air Canada's emergency response centre in Saint John, N.B.

Their compassion, professionalism, and care in these moments of crisis reflect the very best of our union.

Unifor stands in solidarity with our members at Air Canada and Jazz Aviation, and with all aviation workers affected. We also recognize and thank the emergency responders and airport personnel who acted swiftly in the aftermath.

We will continue to support our members and advocate for the highest safety standards, improvements in working conditions for all air transportation workers, and proper investment across the industry.