Unifor says the Canadian government should block the WestJet Group鈥檚 takeover of Sunwing Airlines Inc. unless WestJet guarantees job creation and investments in workers.

The union says it鈥檚 concerned that the acquisition will lead to more sub-contracted work with lower wages and precarious conditions, despite WestJet鈥檚 promise of job creation.

Unifor made the comments as part of its submission to Transport Canada鈥檚 Public Interest Review of the deal, which the WestJet Group announced in March.

The union says Competition Bureau investigations and Transport Canada reviews don鈥檛 often factor in to how mergers affects jobs, but the union filing notes it鈥檚 in the public interest and possible under the Competition Act to secure quality job opportunities.

It says it鈥檚 concerned by Westjet鈥檚 reference in consultation documents to 鈥渃rew optimization鈥� and 鈥渋mproved efficiencies in operating costs,鈥� which it says could point to cutting jobs or contracting them out.

In announcing the deal, WestJet said the acquisition will protect and create jobs, in part by shifting Sunwing鈥檚 seasonal aircraft into year-round use.

The Canadian Press

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