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Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION

Aveos sale gives ex-workers hope

By: Ross Marowits

Posted: 04/21/2012 1:00 AM | Comments: 0

MONTREAL -- A "For Sale" sign was officially hung on the door of insolvent aircraft maintenance firm Aveos on Friday, giving former employees some hope they may regain their jobs.

"I'm sure some people are really happy today," said Pascale Lambert, a marketing employee who helped organize job fairs earlier this month for former employees.

But a month without pay and employment insurance has tempered expectations.

"I'm sure the belief is not going to be as strong as a month ago that this can work, but it would be very nice," she said in an interview after receiving a small cheque for back pay.

Protests against the Montreal-based company have been diminishing as workers go to job interviews and accept relocation.

Lambert doubted that all 2,600 employees will regain their jobs, as Aveos' three divisions will likely be sold to several buyers.

International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers district president Chuck Atkinson said he's optimistic that jobs can be protected, but he declined to say how many realistically can be preserved.

"Our intention is to make sure that we get all of our people back to work," he said in an interview.

Aveos has said its airframe business was not viable, suggesting the most interest will be focused on the components and engine-repair divisions.

"There's some light at the end of the tunnel, definitely," Atkinson said after a Quebec judge approved a two-month sale process.

Potential bidders will have until May 29 -- five weeks -- to prepare their offers for Aveos Fleet Performance.

Selected bidders will then have about 10 days to finalize their offers and waive any conditions, according to an order Friday by Quebec Superior Court Justice Mark Schrager.

Some 23 potential bidders have expressed an interest in acquiring some or all of the Montreal-based company's assets. A short-list of bidders will be selected by June 1.

Atkinson said it's premature to talk about what kind of sacrifices workers may be asked to make, but the union will co-operate with potential buyers.

German-based Lufthansa Tecknik is expected to be among the leading bidders. The company's subsidiaries employ 26,500 workers and serve 750 clients around the world.

Atkinson said he would welcome the European operator and believes arrangements can be reached to ensure jobs remain in Canada if there is involvement by the federal and provincial governments.

The Quebec government signalled its willingness Friday to provide financial support to potential buyers as long as they develop viable businesses that sustain jobs in Montreal.

-- The Canadian Press

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition April 21, 2012 B7

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