Key Takeaways
• Canadian return trips to the U.S. fell nearly 20% in April 2025, threatening aviation jobs and industry stability.
• Unifor Aviation Council formed a united front to fight U.S. tariffs and protect Canadian workers across affected industries.
• Union leaders warn up to one million Canadian jobs could be at risk if trade tensions and tariffs continue escalating.
On May 12, 2025, the Unifor Aviation Council released a strong statement reacting to the widening U.S. trade war and its effects on Canada’s air transportation sector. The Council’s message came as travel numbers between Canada and the United States 🇺🇸 showed a dramatic fall, and as growing trade tensions threatened thousands of jobs in multiple industries. As reported by VisaVerge.com, Unifor’s leaders are now working with other labor groups, government officials, and industry partners to push back against U.S. moves, protect workers, and seek support for affected sectors.
U.S. Trade War and the Aviation Sector: What Happened?
The Unifor Aviation Council’s statement is the latest response to actions taken by U.S. President Donald Trump since he returned to office. Over the past few months, President Trump’s government has announced a series of tariffs and new policies targeting Canada’s industries. Many Canadian groups see these steps as a direct attack on their economy, with Unifor calling it “economic warfare.” The aviation sector, which relies on open borders and high passenger numbers, is among those hit especially hard.
Recent numbers from Statistics Canada show that return trips by Canadian residents to the United States 🇺🇸 have fallen by nearly 20% in April 2025 compared to earlier periods. This is a severe drop and threatens the financial stability of airlines, airports, and many other parts of the aviation field. When fewer people fly, airlines earn less money, meaning fewer jobs and more uncertainty for workers.
Broader Impact of the Trade War
Unifor represents more than 320,000 workers, making it Canada’s largest private sector union. The union notes that the problems facing aviation are just one part of bigger troubles caused by these trade tensions. Since President Trump’s new set of tariffs and threats, tension between the United States 🇺🇸 and Canada has grown steadily.
The union’s statement highlights a meeting that took place in March 2025, when Unifor’s Auto Council and Independent Parts Suppliers Council called an emergency session. They said they were facing “the fight of our lives,” as U.S. tariffs and the flow of jobs back to the United States 🇺🇸 created panic in auto and parts manufacturing. Union leaders have openly accused President Trump’s government of trying to “steal investment and jobs” from Canada by making it harder for Canadian companies to compete.
This feeling has spread to other sectors, including aviation. In all these cases, the main concerns are the loss of jobs, damage to big industries, and the possible long-term impact on Canada’s economy.
How the Unifor Aviation Council and Others Are Responding
Unifor has not taken the situation lightly. The union is building a “united front” by partnering with other labor groups, representatives from all levels of government, and key players in Canadian industry. The goal is to make sure workers are at the heart of any response.
The Unifor Aviation Council and its parent union have outlined a multi-part plan to try to hold back the effects of U.S. decisions:
- Working Together: Unifor has reached out to other unions, the government, and business partners to pool resources and come up with ideas.
- Protecting Workers: The union is pushing for better worker protections, especially for people at risk of losing jobs if the trade war gets worse. This means calling for stronger Employment Insurance programs and more government support for industries that are directly affected.
- Speaking Out: Unifor leaders have promised to condemn any Canadian politician who sides with President Trump’s ideas if they harm Canadian workers. Lana Payne, Unifor’s National President, made it clear that the union “will not be intimidated by Trump” and is ready to speak out forcefully.
- Industry-Wide Action: The union is also calling for broader economic action to offset the damage from U.S. tariffs. This could include pressing for support for affected businesses or calling for Canadian responses to U.S. moves.
Their overall aim is to make sure that Canadian jobs are the priority, and that no worker is left behind as the dispute drags on.
Aviation and Cross-Border Travel: A Sector Under Pressure
The drop of nearly 20% in Canada–U.S. travel is more than just a number; it represents direct harm to airlines, airports, and travel businesses. Fewer Canadians are taking trips to the United States 🇺🇸, either for work or leisure, and that means less demand for flights, tours, hotel stays, and more.
Lower demand leads businesses to cut spending, and often, their first move is to reduce the staff. For people working in these areas—pilots, flight attendants, ground crew, airline support staff, and airport workers—this creates real fear of unemployment or fewer working hours.
For people who depend on cross-border travel for their livelihoods, this slump is deeply worrying. The travel and tourism industry is closely linked with immigration too, because air travel is often the first step for newcomers or visitors. When these links are strained, it can become harder for people to move between Canada and the United States 🇺🇸 for work, family visits, or education.
Potential Risks for Workers and Families
Experts, economists, and union officials have painted a serious picture if the tariffs and trade war continue. Some estimates suggest up to one million Canadian jobs could be at risk in the months to come if things do not change. This figure covers not just airlines but also manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, and other connected industries.
The fear is not only about layoffs but also about reduced hours, lower wages, and fewer career opportunities. People may be forced to change jobs or even move to different provinces if their sector is hit especially hard.
Families connected to cross-border jobs, who often rely on easy travel to keep working or stay in touch, are also worried. If regular flights and trips become too expensive or are cut altogether, it will be tougher to support family needs. This adds extra stress to families already coping with the shock of job loss. Moreover, students and professionals who move between Canada and the United States 🇺🇸 for school or work are affected as they may face longer waits or less certainty.
Unifor’s Broader Action and “Fight Tooth and Nail” Promise
Faced with these challenges, Unifor has promised a tough stance. The union’s message is that it will “fight tooth and nail to protect and defend Canadian jobs.” Unifor has a long history of standing up for workers during tough times, and the current situation may stand out as one of its biggest fights.
Unifor is not working alone. It has built links with governments, industry groups, and other unions across Canada, seeking help and coming up with solutions. The union seeks not only better support for those already affected but also long-term changes that might keep industries strong for years to come.
This can include boosting funding for employment supports, encouraging companies to invest more in Canada, and working with government to create policies that protect Canadian workers during trade wars. Unifor has also pushed for steps to make it easier for businesses to stay open, such as more flexible immigration programs, quicker support payments, or tax relief for companies that keep jobs in Canada.
The Political Context: Canada, the United States, and President Trump’s Policies
The current dispute cannot be separated from the wider relationship between Canada and the United States 🇺🇸. Since returning to office, President Donald Trump has followed through on campaign promises to put “America First.” This includes demanding more manufacturing and auto jobs be brought back to the United States 🇺🇸 and making it harder for Canadian products to reach U.S. consumers freely.
President Trump’s sharp words and demands have rattled many in Canada, including politicians, business leaders, and union members. In meetings, Unifor leaders have warned that the Trump administration’s methods could lead to more companies pulling investment from Canada, draining away resources and jobs.
The union has also warned against any Canadian government figure trying to keep up friendly ties by giving in to these demands if it means hurting Canadian workers. Unifor’s leaders stress that a united, clear Canadian voice is needed on all levels. They insist that only a firm and fair response will protect jobs on both sides of the border.
What Does This Mean for Immigration and Cross-Border Movement?
Although the trade war mainly targets products and industries, it has a clear effect on immigration and people movement. For one, the slowdown in air travel could make it harder for families, students, and workers to move between the two countries. Those who apply for work permits, study visas, or business travel documents may see longer waits or more complicated procedures.
When trade wars spill over into everyday travel, the flow of people slows. This affects not only economic migration but also cultural and family ties built up over decades. If the trade war drags on, there could be fewer new immigrants coming to Canada or fewer opportunities for Canadians to work in the United States 🇺🇸. The uncertainty itself can discourage people from making plans to move, start new businesses, or send their children to school across the border.
Responses from Other Groups and the Path Forward
Unifor Aviation Council is only one voice among many speaking out. Other labor unions, business groups, and parts of the Canadian government have responded. All share similar worries: how to keep industries alive, how to protect workers, and how to handle the fallout from dramatic policy changes by the United States 🇺🇸.
Some experts suggest that now is the time for governments to act quickly. This might mean offering direct help to workers who lose jobs, making it easier for airlines to stay open, or working on deals to end the tariffs. As the situation changes, both countries will need to keep talking and find ways to fix the damage.
For people directly affected—workers, families, and business owners—the advice is to stay informed. Follow updates from unions like Unifor, government agencies, and news outlets. For official updates or support for workers displaced by trade war effects, the Canadian government’s employment and social development website provides information on current programs and benefits.
Conclusion: A Critical Moment for Canada’s Air Travel and More
The statement from the Unifor Aviation Council and ongoing responses from across Canada highlight how deeply the U.S. trade war led by President Donald Trump has shaken the country’s economy and workforce. The steep drop in travel, combined with job losses and rising uncertainty, make this a critical time for aviation, auto, and many other sectors. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the next few months will test the strength and unity of Canada’s workers, unions, and government response.
While the future remains uncertain, one thing is clear: unions like Unifor and its Aviation Council are determined to keep fighting for Canadian jobs and to push all partners—government and business alike—to do the same. All eyes now turn to what steps will come next, as the trade dispute continues to affect industries, workers, and families on both sides of the border.
Learn Today
Unifor Aviation Council → A labor organization representing Canadian aviation workers, advocating for their rights and job security during economic and political conflicts.
Trade War → Economic conflict where countries impose tariffs or barriers on each other’s goods to protect their own industries.
Tariffs → Government-imposed taxes on imports or exports, often used in trade disputes to raise the price of foreign goods.
Employment Insurance → A Canadian government program providing temporary financial assistance to unemployed workers while they look for new jobs.
Cross-Border Travel → The movement of people between neighboring countries, in this context between Canada and the United States.
This Article in a Nutshell
In May 2025, Canadian aviation faced crisis as U.S. trade war policies, led by President Trump, sharply reduced cross-border travel. Unifor Aviation Council formed alliances with labor, industry, and government, vowing bold measures to defend jobs. With threats growing, Canada’s workforce braces for more uncertainty in coming months.
— By VisaVerge.com
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