Airports – Union of Canadian Transportation Employees

No to More Airport Privatization

In the Spring Economic Update on April 28, the Government of Canada says they will explore “alternative models of ownership for Canadian airports.” They intend to change the ownership structure of Canada’s airports in order to attract private investors. UCTE...

April 29, 2026

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Statement from the National President

On behalf of the Union of Canadian Transportation Employees (UCTE), I would like to express our deepest condolences following the tragic aviation incident (Flight AC8646) that occurred this weekend in New York. Our thoughts are with all those affected —...

March 23, 2026

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Recognizing Aviation Workers

This is International Civil Aviation Day. This day was established in 1994 on the 50th anniversary of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Canada is a founding member of ICAO – headquartered in Montreal — where member states work together...

December 7, 2025

Nine Locals in Five cities, in Five Days

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Nine Locals in Five cities, in Five Days

UCTE Leadership visits Atlantic region From October 6 to 11, National President Teresa Eschuk and National Vice-President Mike Tennant met with members and toured a number of workplaces in the Atlantic region. Their tour started at the Port of Halifax...

November 13, 2025

Firefighters and Cancer – the story continues

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Firefighters and Cancer – the story continues

Cancer is still the leading cause of death for firefighters. Firefighters’ unions and some lawmakers have made progress in recent years, but there is much more that can be done to get better and more equitable access to prevention and...

August 26, 2025

Injecting new Momentum into AARF Campaign

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Injecting new Momentum into AARF Campaign

On July 4, UCTE made contact with the members of the Standing Transport Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities (TRAN), which has been reconstituted for the new session of parliament. The letter to the chair of the committee is posted...

July 8, 2025

January is Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month

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January is Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month

Our membership includes cancer survivors, and sadly our members have lost co-workers to cancer. We’re observing Firefighters’ Cancer Awareness Month in Canada for the second time. A national framework on cancers linked to firefighting was announced in October 2024, following...

January 27, 2025

How do we Regulate Civil Aviation in Canada and the World?

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How do we Regulate Civil Aviation in Canada and the World?

UCTE and ARFF (Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting) insiders talk about CARs and ICAO, and the important differences. But let’s cut through the jargon: this post explains what those are, and how and when they matter to the travelling public. These...

January 22, 2025

Gender in the Fire Hall part 2: Femininity, Masculinity, Solidarity

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Gender in the Fire Hall part 2: Femininity, Masculinity, Solidarity

UCTE represents airport firefighters at several Canadian airports. This two-part series looks at the issues dealt with by two of our female firefighter members as they challenge traditional barriers to women in firefighting services. “When I started with the volunteer...

December 17, 2024

Gender in the Fire Hall, part 1: Pioneering Inclusion

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Gender in the Fire Hall, part 1: Pioneering Inclusion

UCTE represents airport firefighters at several Canadian airports. Union activism is a good vehicle for improving equity and inclusion in the workplace. This two-part series looks at the issues dealt with by two of our female firefighter members as they...

December 9, 2024