WestJet Tentative Agreement Ratification Results

Dear WestJet Members,

The voting period in the WestJet (WS) Tentative Agreement ratification process concluded today March 20, 2021 at 15:00PT / 16:00MT / 18:00ET.

The results are as follows:

“Are you in favour of the Tentative Agreement as presented? / Êtes-vous en faveur de l’entente de principe, tel que présenté?”

This Member vote requires 50% plus 1 (one) vote to ratify:

Yes / Oui: 1663 votes (66.8%)

No / Non: 826 votes (33.2%)

The Tentative Agreement is RATIFIED.

All CUPE Local 4070 Members in the WestJet (WS) bargaining unit immediately fall under this binding Collective Agreement (CA).

This Collective Agreement is effective retroactively to March 1, 2021 and remains in full force and effect until December 31, 2025 at 23:59MT.

Following the twenty-day process since reaching a Tentative Agreement (TA) at the negotiating table, the WestJet Bargaining Committee, and the CUPE Local 4070 Executive, along with other elected representatives, congratulate our Membership on ratification of our historic first ever union Collective Agreement.

A specific thank you is due to the many other union representatives who helped throughout the lengthy bargaining process, as well during the ratification process. These include:

• the 4070 Communications Committee members from all three bargaining units: a true team effort.

• all Stewards across our entire network.

• all mobilizers and mobilizing coordinators.

• our five CUPE National representatives.

The work towards full implementation of the changes across every aspect of our employment experience will begin immediately. Certain items such as per diem increases will be retroactive to March 1, 2021. Others will commence as of April 1, 2021 (the first full monthly blocking window following ratification), and some will be phased in as indicated in the implementation schedule that was released to Membership as part of the TA package that was voted on.

As always, if you have any questions, please contact us at: www.cupe4070.ca/contact. If your questions are regarding the CA, and not of an immediate nature, please know that further communications will be released frequently as implementation proceeds.

We are so proud of the engagement and questions that the Membership sent our way over the past weeks. It remains our privilege to represent you. Congratulations.

In Solidarity,
Your CUPE WestJet Bargaining Committee
Your CUPE Local 4070 Executive Team

WestJet Encore Townhall – New “FLOW” MOA

Dear WestJet Encore Members,

We are excited to be able to now share with you information on the MOA you have all been waiting for. We recognize that there is a vested interest in what happens at all levels of our Local. Currently, our Brothers and Sisters at WestJet have been given the opportunity to review this document for their ratification vote. Since this greatly impacts our Members at WestJet Encore, we thought it would be prudent to present this document sooner than expected.

Please read the following information carefully. A reminder that this information is confidential and for the exclusive review of WestJet Encore Members of CUPE Local 4070. Do not share this information outside of the WestJet Encore Member’s group, please do not share on Social Media.

Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)
We have spent much of our time since our last bargaining update creating what we are certain will be an important tool for you to become familiar with the MOA being presented.

We will be presenting the entire document in a Webinar format via Zoom where all those involved in the negotiations of this document can provide explanations and context to each article so you are well informed.

Townhall
The Townhall will require registration by following the below Registration links! We will only be offering one (1) Townhall webinar for now so please make sure you register. If there is enough demand to do a second please contact your respective Base Vice-Presidents and we will consider one for the future.

To Register Click Here!

The Townhall will be held on Friday March 19th at 1100 PT/1200 MT/ 1400 ET.

Once you’ve registered, you will receive a confirmation e-mail to the address you provide when registering for the Townhall. (Please only use your personal e-mail address to register!) Make sure to check your spam/junk folder if you have trouble finding the e-mail confirmation.

Reminder e-mails will be sent out to those who have registered, one hour prior to the start of the Townhall. There is no deadline to register. Members who have received an invite link but have not registered will not be permitted access.

*Townhall will run approximately 2.15 hours

In Solidarity,
Your CUPE 4070 Executive Team

WestJet Encore Bargaining Update #3

Dear Members,

We are pleased to bring you an update pertaining to round 4 of Collective Bargaining.

As always, we pledge to be transparent and keep you well informed throughout this process. Rest assured, your elected Bargaining Committee Members are going to the table with integrity, dedication, and your best interests in mind during these negotiations.

Round 4 of Collective Bargaining took place on Zoom from March 9-11. Our Collective Agreement will be bargained based on the concepts that an overwhelming majority of Members endorsed.

This week the Bargaining Committee took on the enormous task of reviewing the Scheduling and Reserve Articles. We began the first day with the Employer presenting proposals for both Articles. Due to the critical nature of these two articles, the committee felt it best to take particular care in their counter proposals. Review of these articles took a full 2.5 days before the committee was prepared to submit their counter proposal to the Employer. This detailed review ensured the committee addressed all the concerns of our WestJet Encore Membership.

Both sides introduced new concepts that were a departure from the status quo. Due to the variety of differences on core issues, no Tentative Agreement was reached. The Committee will reconvene with the Employer in April, with the intent to finalize the Scheduling and Reserve Articles. All tentative agreements will be finalized once both parties can mutually agree upon language and terms.

Your local is still focused on expediting this Collective Bargaining process. We will be resuming Bargaining again on April 7-9. For future dates, we are currently awaiting confirmation from the Employer leading into spring/summer of 2021. We will communicate all dates as soon as they are finalized.


In Solidarity,
Your CUPE 4070 WestJet Encore Bargaining Committee

BREAKING NEWS: WestJet & CUPE Reach Tentative Agreement

Dear Members,

After a lengthy negotiation process that started in April 2019 and extended due to the pandemic, CUPE Local 4070 and WestJet have reached a Tentative Agreement (TA) today. The 4070 Bargaining Committee, along with our four CUPE National Bargaining representatives have been working tirelessly throughout the weekend to conclude negotiations for our historic first ever Union Collective Agreement.

A special thank you goes to our WestJet Bargaining Committee for their hard work on this first CUPE agreement for WestJet Cabin Crew Members. We formed our Union with CUPE back in July 2018 and this milestone should make all Members feel very proud.

WHAT’S NEXT?

We will be planning virtual roadshows to present this Tentative Agreement to our Members and answer your questions. Once the planning for this has been finalized, we will communicate all of the information and dates to you along with a copy of the TA for review.

WHO VOTES?

Voting for this Collective Agreement will be conducted by secure online voting sent via email. Voting will be open to all WestJet Members, regardless of having signed a Union card or not. For clarity, this includes all active and inactive/furloughed Members.

I DIDN’T SIGN A UNION CARD

Members that have not signed a Union card, or, do not have an email address on file with the Union are asked to submit one using our online Rand Member Form ASAP.

We will update you as soon as we can. In the meantime, we would like to thank our over 3,100 WestJet Members for their patience as we worked towards this ground breaking goal. We are excited to be able to present this TA to you for ratification in March.

In Solidarity,

Your CUPE 4070 Executive Team

WestJet Encore Bargaining Update #2

Dear Members,

Your WestJet Encore Bargaining Committee is extremely pleased to provide you with an update for our return to Bargaining after a 10-month hiatus!

We would like to start our third bargaining update by thanking all of our WestJet Encore Members while the Collective Bargaining process was paused. Focus was redirected to job loss mitigation due to the catastrophic effects that COVID-19 had on our aviation industry. We are now ready to re-energize our focus with hopes to conclude this bargaining process for Westjet Encore in the coming months.

As always, we pledge to be transparent and keep you well informed throughout this process. Rest assured, your elected Bargaining Committee Members are going to the table with integrity, dedication, and your best interest in mind during these negotiations.

Your WestJet Encore Bargaining Committee is comprised of:

Shantel Gailing, YYZ CCM

Jen Sachs, YYZ CCM

Colleen Tracey, YYC CCM

Chantal Weeks, YYC CCM

Chris Rauenbusch, President, CUPE Local 4070

Jamie Loiselle, Vice-President, CUPE Local 4070

Round 3 of Collective Bargaining took place on Zoom from February 9-11. Our Collective Agreement will be bargained based on the concepts that an overwhelming majority of Members endorse.

Although we cannot go into detail for reasons of confidentiality, we are proud to announce that both sides have reached a Tentative Agreement (TA) for the following articles (which will in part form the Collective Agreement):

●        Union Flight Release

●        Deadheading 

●        Training 

●        Vacation Statutory Holidays and GDOs 

●        Pay Schedule and Pay Discrepancies 

●        Expenses 

●        Passports/Visa

While we cannot provide you specific details in regards to these points, we would like to provide you with some context surrounding the tone and atmosphere in the room:

On Tuesday morning, the Committee started strong. Following introductions from both sides with the addition of our new YYC based Bargaining Committee Member, Colleen Tracey, work began immediately to finalize outstanding items from our March 2020 round of Bargaining. The feeling in the room was positive, both parties ready and willing to have productive discussions on issues important to our Members.

Each side presented their proposals, and by the end of the day, after multiple counter-proposals from each side, three (3) Articles were signed off with certain provisions in each, pending monetary discussions: Union Flight Release, Deadheading, and Training.

Agreeing to a TA means both sides agree that these Articles, as written, will be acceptable to form a part of the final Collective Agreement (CA). 

Wednesday, we carried forward the same momentum from Tuesday which lasted throughout the remainder of the week. Some Articles being negotiated required a greater length of time to review and determine the best counter-proposal in the interest of our Members. Wednesday saw further movement from each side as more counter-proposals were presented. Both the Employer and the Union were steadfast on some details, yet we were able to find sufficient common ground to sign off as TA on Expenses and Passports/Visas.

Thursday a few counter proposals were exchanged and proposals from the day prior were finalized. The following were agreed to in TA:

●        Vacation, Statutory Holidays, and GDO (Guaranteed Days Off)

●        Pay Schedule and Pay Discrepancies

We concluded round 3 of Collective Bargaining with 7 Articles signed off in Tentative Agreement (TA). 

During Round 4, the Bargaining Committee will focus their attention on the monumental task of negotiating the Scheduling article. Your local executive recognizes that Scheduling issues have been top of mind for everyone and the Bargaining Committee is focused on addressing this issue in ways the local cannot under our frozen agreement. We do not want our Members to continue to be in a place of hardship. Please know we take your concerns very seriously and it is not lost on us that the WestJet Encore Membership works incredibly hard. We truly feel the most effective place to resolve the core of our issues is at the bargaining table. By its very nature, the collective agreement is a major vehicle for ensuring fairness and promoting equality at the workplace and we commit to doing just that for every one of you.

Your WestJet Encore Bargaining Committee has presented dates for future Bargaining with a big push to increase bargaining dates for the next few months. We will be resuming Bargaining again on March 9-11 and April 7-9. For future dates, we are currently awaiting confirmation from the Employer leading into spring of 2021. We will communicate all dates as soon as they are finalized.

In Solidarity,

Your CUPE 4070 WestJet Encore Bargaining Committee

Join the call to save good jobs in Canadian airlines!

Dear Members,

A MESSAGE FROM YOUR AIRLINE DIVISION COUNCIL OF PRESIDENTS  / UN MESSAGE DE VOTRE DIVISION AÉRIENNE CONSEIL DES PRÉSIDENTS

Directly calling your elected representatives is one of the best ways to make your voice heard. Politicians take it seriously when citizens take the time and effort to call in to voice their concerns. And when hundreds or even thousands of us call them with the same concerns, they really start to get the message. Let’s send the Trudeau government a message they can’t ignore.

Remember:
• If you don’t get a person, leave a message!

Who to call?
• Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland (Toronto, ON)
Ottawa: 613-992-5234
Toronto: 416-928-1451

• Transport Minister Omar Alghabra (Mississauga, ON)
Ottawa: 613-992-1301
Mississauga: 905-848-8595

• Employment Minister Carla Qualtrough (Delta, BC)
Ottawa: 613-992-2957
Delta: 778-593-4007

• Or find your local MP here

What to say?
• As a worker, I am disappointed in your government’s total betrayal of this vital industry and the people who keep it in the air

• Airline workers in Canada have been calling for help from your government for a year and we’re still waiting to hear what your government will do to save our jobs and our industry

• Our union, CUPE, has been reaching out to your government for the past year to request a meeting only to be ignored every single time

• It is time for the government to stop ignoring our concerns

• Canada is one of the only countries in the developed world without a comprehensive plan to help their airline industries weather the pandemic – this must stop

• We need a relief package for the industry that prioritizes saving jobs and livelihoods, and that ensures there is an industry for us to return to when the pandemic is over

• It is simply unacceptable for your government to be listening only to the executive boardrooms of the major airlines – you must listen to workers too

• When your government needed help bringing Canadians home from abroad last year, we answered the call

• Now it’s your turn to answer ours
 

Faites un appel et contribuez à sauver de bons emplois dans les
compagnies aériennes canadiennes !

Appeler directement vos élus est l’un des meilleurs moyens de faire entendre votre voix. Les politiciens prennent au sérieux les citoyens qui prennent le temps et qui font l’effort de les appeler pour exprimer leurs préoccupations. Et quand des centaines, voire des milliers d’entre nous les appellent pour leur transmettre les mêmes préoccupations, ils commencent vraiment à comprendre le message. Envoyons au gouvernement Trudeau un message qu’il ne pourra pas ignorer.

N’oubliez pas :
• Si personne ne répond, laissez un message !

Qui appeler ?
• La ministre fédérale des Finances Chrystia Freeland (Toronto, Ont.)
Ottawa : 613-992-5234
Toronto : 416-928-1451

• Le ministre fédéral des Transports Omar Alghabra (Mississauga, Ont.)
Ottawa : 613-992-1301
Mississauga : 905-848-8595

• La ministre fédérale de l’Emploi Carla Qualtrough (Delta, C.-B.)
Ottawa : 613-992-2957
Delta : 778-593-4007

• Ou votre député fédéral. Cliquez sur l’hyperlien pour obtenir ses coordonnées.

Quoi dire ?
• En tant que travailleur (travailleuse), je suis déçu (e) de votre gouvernement. Vous avez trahi ce secteur vital et les gens qui assurent la sécurité des vols.

• Les travailleurs canadiens du transport aérien réclament l’aide de votre gouvernement depuis un an, et nous attendons toujours de savoir ce que votre gouvernement va faire pour sauver nos emplois et notre industrie.

• Ça fait un an que notre syndicat, le SCFP, multiplie les contacts avec votre gouvernement pour obtenir un rendez-vous, mais vous l’ignorez.

• Il est temps que le gouvernement cesse d’ignorer nos préoccupations.

• Le Canada est l’un des seuls pays développés à ne pas avoir de plan global pour aider son secteur du transport aérien à traverser la crise. Il faut que ça change.

• Nous avons besoin d’une aide sectorielle qui donne la priorité à la sauvegarde de nos emplois et de nos salaires. Un plan qui fera aussi en sorte de maintenir notre
industrie en vie afin que nous puissions retourner y travailler après la pandémie.

• Il est inacceptable que votre gouvernement n’écoute que les membres des conseils d’administration des grandes compagnies aériennes. Vous devez aussi écouter les travailleurs.

• L’an dernier, lorsque votre gouvernement a eu besoin d’aide pour rapatrier les Canadiens de l’étranger, nous avons répondu à l’appel.

• Il est maintenant temps que vous répondiez au nôtre.


In Solidarity / Solidairement,

Airline Division Council of
Presidents (ADCP) /
Division Aérienne
Conseil des Présidents
(DACP)

Finance Canada Pre-Budget Consultations

Dear Members,

Finance Canada launched the pre-budget consultations. This process invites all Canadians to share their ideas and what matters most to them, to inform and guide Canada’s growth plan and feed into the measures and investments that will make up Budget 2021.  When COVID-19 is under control, the government has a plan to make smart, targeted investments that jumpstart the country’s economic recovery and begin to repair the damage done by the pandemic.

The government wants to hear the very best ideas on how to continue to support Canadians affected by the pandemic, create new jobs and build a greener, more competitive, more innovative, more inclusive, more resilient Canada.

The pre-budget consultation and questionnaire are available at the following link, and will be open until February 19 2021.

https://letstalkbudget2021.ca/pre_budget_consultations

In Solidarity,
Your CUPE 4070 Executive Team

IATA Course

Dear Members,

The International Air Transportation Association (IATA) is offering a training course to help laid- off airline Cabin Crew Members re- enter the job market. This course is offered free of charge to those who register between February 9 and 23, 2021.

This is a three hour course “Cabin Crew - Leveraging Professional Skills”, designed and developed with the input of former Crew Members, to promote and recognize professional skills that can be supported in other job settings. Crew Members will learn practical tips for preparing for the job application process and have the opportunity to learn from the experience of other colleagues who have transitioned to other roles outside the airline industry. 

As many thousands of Cabin Crew Members have lost their job in this crisis, this offering is a salute to their service to the industry.

We know that this has been a challenging and tough time for our Members, across all three airlines, Swoop, WestJet, and WestJet Encore. As we deal with this pandemic that has affected our industry, for now, many will need to seek opportunities to earn a livelihood in other sectors. As our Members are awaiting to be recalled, know that your Union is working very hard to bring each one of you back. 

To learn more and register for the course, visit the IATA Training course web page.


In Solidarity,

Your CUPE 4070 Executive Team

Swoop February Layoff Notice #2

Dear Members,

We write to advise you that Swoop management has informed the Union of further required layoffs, effective February 16, 2021. These additional 36 furloughs are a result of the Government of Canada requesting cancellation of all flights to Mexico and the Caribbean until at least April 30, 2021.

As announced by Inflight leadership, layoffs will occur in both the YEG and YHM/YYZ bases as follows:

YEG base: 18 layoffs

YHM/YYZ base: 18 layoffs

Active Members who are impacted can expect an email to your Corporate email on Tuesday February 9th informing you of your layoff, and containing full details.

As with previous job reductions, these layoffs will be assigned by date-of-hire (DOH) reverse seniority within your base. Please be assured that your Union is involved in this process at every step of the way.

Due to the extremely short time frame between this announcement and it’s necessary effective date, the Employer is not able to offer voluntary layoffs for this furlough.

Should you have questions regarding the February 16, 2021 involuntary layoffs, please first contact your direct leader and/or leadership team. Should you need further assistance from the Union, please contact us at www.cupe4070.ca/contact.


In Solidarity,
Your CUPE 4070 Executive Team

We Will Come Through This – WE ARE CUPE 4070

Dear Members,

Your Union continues to stand tall and proud to represent every single one of our over 4,100 Members, whether you are on furlough, voluntary layoff, leave or remain active.

These times that we find ourselves facing were completely unimaginable just twelve months ago. When we look back, we have weathered so much, over such a short period of time. Wherever this crisis takes us, always know that your Union represents each of us every single day. We will never back down from pushing ahead for a federal aid package for our sector to stabilize operations until these troubled days and weeks turn skyward, and to ensure each of the over 4,100 Members of this Union feel connected to our home.

Destinations around the globe; and our workplaces and aircraft across the WestJet, WestJet Encore and Swoop networks are our home.

The CUPE 4070 Communications Committee in collaboration with the Local Executive have produced a video message for our entire Union Local. We truly hope that every Member of this Local will find moments of reflection, and we hope, a sense of optimism for our future together, despite these dark days.

Click HERE to access this Union Video.

For our Members who remain active, thank you for keeping our home warm during this long winter. For those who are with us on the ground, we can not wait for your return home to the sky.

Please stay safe.

In Solidarity,
Your CUPE 4070 Executive Team

MAYDAY - MAYDAY, PM Trudeau!

Dear Members,

The Airline Division of CUPE is calling on Prime Minister Trudeau to help Airline Workers. We as Flight Attendants have been on the frontlines of COVID-19 from the onset and we have had very little consultation from our Federal government. Our industry is on life support and we find ourselves with no real plan from Mr. Trudeau and his government. Please join us in having our members’ voices heard and our stories shared.

In Solidarity,

Wesley Lesosky

ADCP President &

President Air Canada Component of CUPE

Rena Kisfalvi

ADCP Secretary-Treasurer &

President CUPE Local 4055 - Sunwing

Dominic Levasseur

President

Air Transat Component of CUPE

Kyla Elias

President

CUPE Local 4029 - Calm Air

Killian Jackson

Acting President

CUPE Local 4053 - Canadian North

Kevin Beaith

President

CUPE Local 4058 - First Air

Bobbie-Ann Alexander

President

CUPE Local 4060 - 

Flair Air

Courtney Decker

President

CUPE Local 5451 -

PAL Airlines

Chris Rauenbusch

President

CUPE Local 4070 -

WestJet
 

MAYDAY - MAYDAY, PM Trudeau!

La Division du transport aérien du SCFP demande au premier ministre Trudeau d'aider les travailleurs du transport aérien. En tant qu'agents de bord, nous sommes en première ligne du COVID-19 depuis le début et nous n'avons eu que très peu de consultations de la part de notre gouvernement fédéral. Notre industrie est sous assistance respiratoire et nous nous retrouvons sans véritable plan de la part de M. Trudeau et de son gouvernement. Veuillez-vous joindre à nous pour faire entendre la voix de nos membres et partager nos histoires.

In Solidarity, 

Wesley Lesosky

ADCP President &

President Air Canada Component of CUPE

Rena Kisfalvi

ADCP Secretary-Treasurer &

President CUPE Local 4055 - Sunwing

Dominic Levasseur

President

Air Transat Component of CUPE

Kyla Elias

President

CUPE Local 4029 - Calm Air

Killian Jackson

Acting President

CUPE Local 4053 - Canadian North

Kevin Beaith

President

CUPE Local 4058 - First Air

Bobbie-Ann Alexander

President

CUPE Local 4060 - 

Flair Air

Courtney Decker

President

CUPE Local 5451 -

PAL Airlines

Chris Rauenbusch

President

CUPE Local 4070 -

WestJet

WestJet March Workforce Announcement

Dear Members,

Your Union has been informed that there will be further job reductions at WestJet (WS) effective for the March 2021 block month.

These reductions are a result of the January 12th announcement that the United States will require a negative COVID-19 PCR test prior to boarding a flight to the USA, coupled with the January 29th announcement that all major Canadian carriers will cease service to sun destinations in Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America. The demand that our Company had spent the past 11 months attempting to rebuild has been removed essentially with the stroke of a government pen.

As with the February 2021 reductions, the Employer will be offering voluntary layoffs as a mitigation measure should anyone that would not face furlough be interested in this option. This option will be awarded by date-of-hire (DOH) seniority. The Employer has or will be sending an email with details to all currently active Members to your company email.

These are voluntary layoffs for Members who would not necessarily be impacted by this further layoff. Recall will occur based on market demand and network growth, and based on your DOH seniority. Please be assured that your Union is involved in this process at every step. Active Members can expect notification to your company email soon offering this opportunity, and providing more details.

Once voluntary layoffs are awarded, the remaining number of required layoffs will be assigned by reverse-seniority, based on DOH. Members who will be placed on involuntary layoff will be notified by the Company next week after processing voluntary layoffs. Please see the Company email for more details. The specific number of job reductions will be communicated by WestJet.

CUPE Local 4070 continues to work with the CUPE Airline Division, Our Employer, CUPE National, as well as online and with traditional media to tell the evolving story of neglect, disrespect and simple ignorance shown to us, the workers that help to power USD$36 billion of annual GDP in this country. We will continue this work, including appropriate collaboration with WestJet where appropriate.

This storm will come to an end eventually. That is of no consolation to our close to 3,500 Members who will be on furlough as of March 1st, or the thousands of other cabin personnel across Canada who remain out of work, and removed from their passion.

Should you have further questions regarding the March 2021 voluntary or involuntary layoffs, please first contact your DPM and/or leadership team.

Should you require further assistance from the Union, please contact us at www.cupe4070.ca/contact.

In Solidarity,
Your CUPE 4070 Executive Team

Bargaining Update #25

Dear Members,

The WestJet (WS) Bargaining Committee has now concluded our dates in January of collective negotiations. The most recent day of bargaining was this past Thursday January 28, 2021.

As previously indicated, the final monetary and outstanding items package has now been passed between the Union and the Company going on six (6) times in each direction. As of this past Thursday, we can tell you that we are very close: of the seventeen (17) pages of this working document, over 90% of sub-articles are in agreement between the two parties in terms of the details of the final package.

As your CUPE 4070 WestJet Bargaining Committee, we are optimistic that following negotiations next week, we may have positive news to report to our Membership.

Should this final package be agreed to, and signed in Tentative Agreement (TA), the final piece of our Collective Agreement (CA) must be solidified before the Local can present the agreement in full for a ratification vote to our Members.

This final piece is to define “Scope” language in relation to how all three (3) workgroup’s scope of operations will be dealt with in relation to each other, including the concept that one lower-cost unit growing disproportionately to the mainline unit, is unacceptable to every single one of us. Scope essentially contains language agreed to between the Union and the Company that defines how the scope of operations of WestJet, WestJet Encore and Swoop interact, and allows for job security across all three, without the fear that one unit will be used to transfer work from a different unit. Obtaining solid language on scope is essential to each of us.

We are very close to bringing a TA to all WestJet (WS) Members. While we cannot make exact promises - we are very optimistic that this may occur in February.

Upon reaching a Tentative Collective Agreement, your Union will release the TA in its entirety in confidentiality to every Member (including any Member holding recall rights to the bargaining unit).  Additionally, we will release a roadshow* schedule to allow all Members to have the opportunity to ask questions, and receive answers from your Bargaining Committee, Local 4070 Executives and CUPE National Bargaining representatives, in order for you to be informed in the subsequent ratification vote.

*TA Roadshows have always been intended to be in person, in each base (YVR, YYC, YYZ), and at least twice per base prior to a ratification vote. Additionally, plans for online forums were planned to ensure accessibility of all Members. The COVID-19 pandemic and related Government regulations may cause in person townhalls to be moved to online sessions. We will continue to monitor provincial COVID-19 protocols, and if at all possible, we will provide for live/in person events.

The next planned rounds of Bargaining for the WestJet Committee are scheduled to take place:

February 2 – 4, 2021

February 15 – 16 & 18, 2021

Please note: we have created a Rand Member form on our website to collect contact information from Members who have not signed a union card to become a ‘Member in Good Standing’. Please help us by sharing this link with any of your friends and colleagues that have not signed their union card so that we can collect their information and send them the appropriate voting links when the time comes, and subscribe them to our email distribution list: https://www.cupe4070.ca/rand-members.

By completing this form, you will not become a Member in Good Standing, you are simply providing your contact information to the Union so that you may participate in a contract ratification vote and/or strike vote. 

**If you are already a Member in Good Standing, please do not fill-out this form.**

If you have any questions about the Collective Bargaining process, please contact your Mobilizing Team at: weare4070@cupe4070.ca.

In Solidarity,
Your CUPE 4070 WestJet Bargaining Committee

A Letter To All Members

Dear Members,

Yesterday was yet another challenging day filled with frustration, disappointment, and likely many other feelings and emotions across our Membership.

These feelings are absolutely normal, and we prevail because of our unique ability as Cabin Crew Members to be thrust into situations beyond our control, rapidly deal with the potential emotional, physical, and psychological impacts we may experience, and then simply do what is required of us. I spent much of yesterday following and reading the countless social media posts by those temporarily leaving, those who have been furloughed since the start of the pandemic, as well as those remaining. Each message was based on the concept of solidarity for each other. This is exactly why I am so unbelievably proud to be entrusted with this role – we inspire each other daily to support one another even during such unbelievably tough times.

I know that where we are as a Company and as a Union, has many Members worried, wondering, and possibly creating scenarios of what may (or may not) unfold. I would like to share where I believe we are; as a Company, we are a remarkable Inflight team working across three airline brands, and more to our responsibility, as one Union banded together for the benefit of job security, and good working conditions of each of our over 4,100 members.

I am personally aware that as employees, we have been thrust back into a mode of serious job reductions, and as a result, there may be many thoughts, discussion and rumor in our lives and in our workplace regarding the continued viability of the Organization. I would like to share with you my stance on where we are at from the Union perspective, including context from our relationship with the Company’s Executive Leadership Team.

Myself, and members of your elected CUPE 4070 Executive have been part of numerous virtual meetings with our Employer over the past weeks, as partners in ensuring our Members’ interests are represented at every point along this treacherous path, and the success of our shared business in the future. I have taken away a number of understandings as to where we are at as an Organization, and as the largest union partner within the WestJet group, as well as how we fit into a successful future together:
 

• The recent furloughs and large network reductions have been caused primarily by the Government of Canada’s decision to prevent any passenger without a proven negative COVID-19 PCR test result within 72 hours, to board any aircraft bound for Canada. This policy decision caused a decimating impact on demand in all facets across the business.
  

• The efforts and extremely difficult cuts occurring now are occurring not in any effort except to allow us to enter a ‘hibernation mode’ of the airline, while still maintaining operations. This will position us as an airline as much more nimble and able to quickly activate capacity when the recovery begins.
  

• Airlines that have completely shutdown operations face a much more difficult challenge to first ‘relaunch’ operations from zero, and subsequently scale up to meet potentially rapidly building demand. The timeframe of an airline relaunch from zero is significantly more costly, cumbersome and drawn out than that of growth from a ‘heartbeat’.

In a personal conversation with our Chief Operating Officer (COO) & EVP Operations Jeff Martin, he shared his perspective as ‘keeping this airline’s heartbeat going while we weather this latest challenge and coming out the other end well positioned to recover.’ When the recovery takes hold, we need to be positioned to move quickly to meet demand. This phase will bring our Members back to work, and hopefully include a rapid return to service of many of our parked aircraft, thereby seeing a well paced return to service of our Membership.

I personally would like to share with each of you how determined this CUPE 4070 Executive is to work in partnership with our Employer towards ensuring that the warm ‘heartbeat’ is maintained in the short term, and that we can grow the operation as we come out of these dark days of the pandemic.

Next week, on January 26, 2021, I will appear before the federal House of Commons Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. This invitation by our federal government is monumental in terms of having our voice heard at the federal level. I commit to each of you, that I will adequately and appropriately relay the reality of our industry to the Committee formed by several Members of Parliament. While I am enthused and honoured to be invited to provide five minutes of remarks, followed by questions and answers asked by the government committee, I am aware that my voice next Tuesday must be the voice of all of our Members. I will not let you down.

On behalf of the entire CUPE Local 4070 Executive Team, and all of our elected representatives, along with our CUPE National Representatives, and our family of over 700,000 unionized CUPE sisters and brothers across Canada: We will survive this pandemic, there is no other way to do this. We have your back.

In Solidarity,

Chris Rauenbusch
President, CUPE Local 4070

WestJet February Layoff Update

Dear Members,

The Union would like to report back to you following meetings with our Employer surrounding the already announced Layoffs which are being enacted February 1st. This is a result of the severe demand drop following the Trudeau Government’s hastily enacted COVID-19 testing requirements for all inbound international travellers to Canada.

Demand has continued to drop, and cancellations are high. As a result, the Union has been informed that while the initial estimate of Member layoffs was 175, it will realistically be greater than 200, due to the cancellations and demand crash being experienced. This number can continue to grow based on further reduction in demand.

As a result of the change in layoff numbers, the Employer will be offering voluntary layoffs as a mitigation measure, and will be awarded by seniority. The Employer will be sending an email with details to your company email.

These are voluntary layoffs for Members not necessarily impacted by this layoff. Recall will occur based on market demand and network growth, and based on your date-of-hire (DOH) seniority. Please be assured that your Union is involved in this process at every step. Active Members can expect notification to your company email starting today offering this opportunity and providing more details.

Once voluntary layoffs are awarded, the remaining number of required layoffs will be assigned reverse-seniority based on DOH. Members who will be placed on involuntary layoff will be notified by the Company by end-of-week, after processing voluntary layoffs.

Should you have questions regarding the February 2021 voluntary or involuntary layoffs, please first contact your DPM and/or leadership team. Should you require further assistance from the Union, please contact us at www.cupe4070.ca/contact.


In Solidarity,
Your CUPE 4070 Executive Team

Swoop February Layoff Update

Dear Members,

The Union would like to report back to you following meetings with the Employer surrounding the already announced Layoffs which are being enacted for the February block month (January 31). This is a result of the severe demand drop following the federal government’s hastily enacted COVID-19 testing requirements for all inbound international travellers to Canada.

Demand has continued to drop, and cancellations are high. As announced, layoffs will occur in both the YEG and YHM/YYZ bases.

As a result of feedback that the Membership has provided to both the Union and the Company, management has proposed offering voluntary layoffs awarded by seniority within each base, as a mitigation measure. Please see your company email for details from the Employer. The Union is appreciative of the proactive action that Swoop leadership is taking in regards to listening to Member concerns.

Active Members can expect an email to your Corporate email as soon as today offering this opportunity, and providing more details, and a link to the form to accept a binding voluntary layoff. Timelines will be outlined by the Company.

These are voluntary layoffs for Members not necessarily impacted by this layoff, awarded by seniority within each base. Recall will only be available based on market demand and network growth, and awarded by date-of-hire (DOH) seniority within your base. Please be assured that your Union is involved in this process at every step.

Once voluntary layoffs are awarded, the remaining number of required layoffs will be assigned reverse seniority based on DOH.

Members to be placed on involuntary layoff should be notified by the Company next week, after processing voluntary layoffs.

Should you have questions regarding the February 2021 voluntary or involuntary layoffs, please first contact your direct leader and/or leadership team. Should you need further assistance from the Union, please contact us at www.cupe4070.ca/contact.


In Solidarity,
Your CUPE 4070 Executive Team

Network Reductions & Associated Labour Requirements

Dear Members,

For those of you who are active and still receiving Corporate e-mails, you have likely now seen the communication from Ed, as well as the Inflight specific communication from your business units’ senior leadership. For those of our Members who are inactive, we will summarize the implications of today’s news, as you likely will not receive it directly from the Employer, and we do not want you hearing this in the media as your first source.

The Company communicated this morning with all workgroups across the organization as to the reality that beginning February 1, 2021, there remains no choice but to implement significant network reductions across the WestJet and Swoop networks. These network reductions will primarily be focused on international destinations (including the United States), as a result of the massive demand crash across almost all routes outside of Canada.

International bookings have declined in excess of 90% as a result of federal regulations that went into effect yesterday by Transport Canada. These new rules require guests to have a negative COVID-19 test result in order to board their flight to Canada. The test must be performed using a COVID-19 molecular polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test and must be taken within 72 hours prior to the guests’ scheduled departure to Canada. It is up to the guest(s) to source, pay for, and provide documentation of a negative PCR test to the airline prior to boarding.

To be absolutely clear, CUPE 4070 makes no secret of the fact that we believe the Trudeau Government has, and continues to abandon and neglect our industry. While these COVID-19 testing rules may have some impact on cases of the virus arriving in Canada, your Union believes that enacting such regulations for international travel, which discourages travel almost completely, must also be accompanied by a long overdue Aviation Sector financial support package. This Government has yet to provide any funding to support our industry, inclusive of all carriers in Canada.

Your Union commits that in conjunction with CUPE National, the CUPE Airline Division, and even in consultation with our Employer, we will be applying further pressure on the Trudeau Government to own their complete abandonment of our sector. In representing our over 4,100 Members, it is critical that your Union continues to increase public knowledge and pressure on the Prime Minister and his Government. The fact is that our Employer, and every other Airline in Canada, has been abandoned and treated as a nuisance to Mr. Trudeau and his Ministers. Zero appreciation for the $32 billion in annual GDP that Airlines create in our Country has been demonstrated. We will make them hear OUR peril, and that of our Employer.

Details of the exact number of layoffs which will begin February 1, 2021 have been shared by leadership with each workgroup. Following numerous meetings with the Employer on Thursday, we remain optimistic that this will be the final step that we must endure. We anticipate the real recovery begins in three to four months when the vaccine becomes widely available, and the virus begins to retreat.

Your elected Union representatives remain here to support you. While we do not have exact numbers of the furlough cutoff on Department Service Lists, we have been informed that these will be finalized by mid-next week, and layoff notices provided by end of week.

This pandemic remains an extremely upsetting time for us all. Should you require support following today’s news, please use the resources that may be available to you through your Employer Benefits program, as well as the Union Crisis Hotline List offering support in every city that we serve.

As always, please reach out to us anytime: http://www.cupe4070.ca/contact.


In Solidarity,
Your CUPE 4070 Executive Team

Compression-Only CPR During The Pandemic

Dear Members,

We would like to notify you of an update regarding a health and safety concern that has been brought to the Union’s attention. At our request, the company has reached out to MedAire for their input on performing compression-only CPR during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

As a temporary safety measure for crew, MedAire supports a Member's decision to use compression-only CPR during the covid pandemic - if you feel that your personal safety is at risk.

This aligns with the AHA, which is used for the national standard in our inflight medical training. It’s essential to note that this is just a temporary guidance during the pandemic.

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact your Union Health and Safety Committee.  

WestJet

ws.ohs@cupe4070.ca

WestJet Encore

wr.ohs@cupe4070.ca

Swoop

wo.ohs@cupe4070.ca

You can also contact the Health & Safety Committees by filling out the contact form on our website: www.cupe4070.ca/contact


In Solidarity,
Your CUPE 4070 Executive Team

Holiday Message from CUPE 4070

Dear Members,

As the holiday season is upon us, CUPE Local 4070 extends well wishes to each of you, and your loved ones for a safe and happy holiday season and all the best for 2021.

As we know this year has been a challenging and tough year for all our Members, across all three airlines, Swoop, WestJet Encore, and WestJet. As we deal with this pandemic, which has affected our airline industry, we have many Members still furloughed and awaiting to be recalled, to them we want to say your Union family is working hard to bring you back, and ensures you that you’re not forgotten. We know many of our Members will also be spending these holidays alone due to this ongoing pandemic, to them we want to say your Union family stands by you.

During this pandemic and this holiday season, our work is something to be especially proud of, as we deal with the challenges and ongoing changes that come our way during these unpredictable times. As we all work together to create a safe work environment for our Members and guests, please stand proudly as CUPE 4070 Members knowing that your Union stands by the value and impact of your important work.

In 2020, together, we have all worked hard and continued to build our Union, and we can reflect proudly on what we have achieved this year.

• Providing strong, independent Union representation in employee meetings every day across 5 bases.

• Recall to Date by airline WS (390), WR (77), & WO (43)

 
Throughout 2020, it has been an exceptional privilege to represent every single one of our Members. The Executive of CUPE 4070 must acknowledge all of the Committee Members, Shop Stewards, Mobilizers and Trustees whose tireless work and effort make this Union function. We look forward to moving our Union successfully towards 2021. Thank you for your dedicated faith, support, and engagement in your Union. Our strength to remain united, in solidarity, for fair collective agreements, fair and safe working conditions and respect of our Employer in the year ahead.

Have a safe Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year!


In Solidarity,
Your CUPE 4070 Executive Team

Letters to Premiers

Dear Members,

On Friday, Wesley Lesosky - CUPE Airline Division President and President, Air Canada Component of CUPE sent letters to each Provincial/Territorial Premier urging them to consider Cabin Crew Members as eligible for early immunization should they wish, after at-risk populations and health care workers.

CUPE and The CUPE Airline Division are committed to lobbying governments across Canada to ensure that our over 15,000 Members have the options they need related to the COVID-19 vaccine, based on the unique workplaces in which we operate.

Click on the links below to view the letter sent to each Premier:

Letter to Premier Cochrane of Northwest Territories

Letter to Premier Savikataaq of Nunavut

Letter to Premier Silver of Yukon

Letter to Premier Horgan of British Columbia

Letter to Premier Kenny of Alberta

Letter to Premier Moe of Saskatchewan

Letter to Premier Pallister of Manitoba

Letter to Premier Ford of Ontario

Letter to Premier Legault of Québec

Letter to Premier Higgs of New Brunswick

Letter to Premier McNeil of Nova Scotia

Letter to Premier King of Prince Edward Island

Letter to Premier Furey of Newfoundland & Labrador

In Solidarity,
Your CUPE 4070 Executive Team