An Important Message From Your CUPE 4070 Health & Safety Committee

Dear Members,

Over the last few weeks, members of your WS Occupational Health and Safety Committee have continued to express our concerns for the ongoing safety issues related to the ‘metering’ process that has impacted our operations, particularly at Toronto Pearson International (YYZ).

It is critical that our WestJet Encore and Swoop Members are aware this is occurring and the potential implications for you.

The fact is this on-going practice has increased the number of times workers have been exposed to numerous physical and psychosocial health and safety hazards, including increased heat in the cabin, harassment, and violence. However, at this time, management has widely dismissed our concerns.

We want you to know that we appreciate the respectful, professional, and effective way that you have been able to handle your duties through this challenging time. While we continue to support you, our members, we remind you that health and safety concerns need to be reported through official channels for us to be able to act, participate in investigations and, if needed, move complaints through to Transport Canada.

The purpose of Part II of the Canada Labour Code is to prevent workplace related accidents and injury including occupational diseases. Click on these links to view a detailed list of the OH&S Committee’sroles and responsibilities as well as those of the Employer.

The Committee would like to remind you of the following:

If you have experienced an incident that could have or did lead to an injury, make sure you fill out a copy of the Safety Incident Hazard Report (IHR) and keep a copy for your records.

If you have become aware of a hazard, please fill out the Safety Incident Hazard Report (IHR) and follow up with the employer on how they plan to remedy your concern.

If you find yourself in imminent danger, follow the procedures in your FAM and notify your Pilot in Command, Lead, or Cabin Manager.

As always, your OH&S Committee is here should you have any additional questions and concerns or would like to reach out directly please find us at: https://www.cupe4070.ca/health-and-safety-contact


In Solidarity,
Your CUPE 4070 Health and Safety Committee

YYZ Metering Delay Process - MOA Update #1

Dear Members,

Further to our email to you on July 13, the Union is pleased to share with you the signed MOA with Swoop.

You can now find all the signed MOA's linked below:

WestJet
WestJet Encore
Swoop NEW

If you have an questions or require Union representation or assistance, please reach out to us here: cupe4070.ca/contact


In Solidarity,
Your CUPE 4070 Executive Team
CUPE 4070 President, Crystal Hill
CUPE 4070 Vice-President, Alia Hussain
CUPE 4070 Secretary-Treasurer, Alex Grigoriev
CUPE 4070 Recording Secretary, Marco Di Virgilio
WestJet YVR Base VP, Chris Brewer
WestJet YYC Base VP, Brigitte Benoit
WestJet YYZ Base VP, Bryan Hansraj
WestJet Encore YYC Base VP, Colleen Tracey
WestJet Encore YYZ Base VP, Mauricio Mejia
Swoop Base VP, Allan Ramsarran

WestJet YYZ Base Vice-President By-Election - Results

Dear Members,

The by-election for WestJet YYZ Base Vice-President has now ended.

The results are as follows:
WestJet YYZ Base Vice-President

Bryan Daniel Hansraj 264
Rose Streete 182

Thank you to all Members that took part in this by-election.


In Solidarity,
Marco Di Virgilio, Recording Secretary & Returning Officer - CUPE 4070

WestJet Encore - MSL Dispute Period Now Open

Dear WestJet Encore Members,

The Master Seniority List has been published and can be viewed here or on our website portal here.

This MSL was created with the following parameters:

• The WestJet Encore Inflight initial in-class training start date has been used as the starting point for the creation of the seniority list for Cabin Crew Members employed by the Company.

• A Cabin Crew Member will receive their seniority standing on the day that they complete their initial training.

• If the WestJet Encore initial in-class training start date of two or more Cabin Crew Members is the same, the Cabin Crew Member with the lower employee number shall have more seniority.

A Cabin Crew Member who has concerns regarding their own seniority date, or the accuracy of other stated information on the MSL pertaining to them will have the opportunity to submit their dispute. Disputes must be submitted within thirty (30) Calendar Days from the date the list is posted. Any disputes must be submitted by August 10, 2022.

You may only submit a dispute specific to your own placement on the MSL – disputes relating to other Cabin Crew Member’s placement on the Master Seniority List will not be considered.

The Company has developed a form with required fields that must be completed for the dispute to be reviewed. A link to the form is available here: WestJet Encore Cabin Crew Member MSL Dispute Form (office.com)

If you have any questions, please reach out to your WestJet Encore Base Vice-President using our contact form at: cupe4070.ca/contact or your local base leadership team at WestJet Encore.

In Solidarity,
Your CUPE 4070 Executive Team
WestJet Encore YYC Base VP, Colleen Tracey
WestJet Encore YYZ Base VP, Mauricio Mejia
CUPE 4070 President, Crystal Hill
CUPE 4070 Vice-President, Alia Hussain
CUPE 4070 Secretary-Treasurer, Alex Grigoriev
CUPE 4070 Recording Secretary, Marco Di Virgilio
WestJet YVR Base VP, Chris Brewer
WestJet YYC Base VP, Brigitte Benoit
WestJet YYZ Base VP, Bryan Hansraj
Swoop Base VP, Allan Ramsarran

YYZ Metering Delay Process - MOA

Dear Members,

The Union is pleased to share with you that we have signed MOA's with WestJet and WestJet Encore regarding the ongoing metering delays in YYZ.

We are still working on an MOA with Swoop and will follow-up with another communication when signed.

A special thank you to WS YVR VP Chris Brewer and WS YYC VP Brigitte Benoit for their continued efforts on getting these MOA's for our Members. This work has been ongoing for quite some time now and we are excited to finally be able to share the details with all of you.

You can find these MOA's linked below:

WestJet
WestJet Encore
Swoop (to follow in an update)

If you have an questions or require Union representation or assistance, please reach out to us here: cupe4070.ca/contact

In Solidarity,
Your CUPE 4070 Executive Team
CUPE 4070 President, Crystal Hill
CUPE 4070 Vice-President, Alia Hussain
CUPE 4070 Secretary-Treasurer, Alex Grigoriev
CUPE 4070 Recording Secretary, Marco Di Virgilio
WestJet YVR Base VP, Chris Brewer
WestJet YYC Base VP, Brigitte Benoit
WestJet YYZ Base VP, Vacant - Pending By-election
WestJet Encore YYC Base VP, Colleen Tracey
WestJet Encore YYZ Base VP, Mauricio Mejia
Swoop Base VP, Allan Ramsarran

Psychological Health & Safety Response During COVID-19 - Survey

Dear Members,

In partnership with CUPE National, we are looking at the impact of the past two year on workplace mental health and trying to get a sense of the mental health supports that were offered (or not), and how successful they were (or not).  

We want to hear your voice to understand the factors faced, the programs, polices and support that were helpful or not during the pandemic and as we emerge.  

CUPE is partnering with Researchers at Saint Mary's University, the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), as well as Health Canada and Howatt HR Applied Workplace Research Institute to conduct this important research (SMU Research Ethics File #21-053). This comprehensive survey will take about 20 minutes of your time and the data collected will be anonymous and used to help better describe the workplace landscape for psychological health and safety at work, as well as provide very useful information towards the next edition of the National Standard on Psychological Health and Safety in the workplace.  

Make your voice heard. Take the Psychological Health & Safety Response During COVID-19 Survey today. 

  
 In Solidarity, 

Your CUPE 4070 OHS Committee & Executive Team

June/July 2022 By-Election - Voting Package

Dear Members,

The nomination process for the current by-election has ended. Below is a breakdown of the nomination period outcome and the voting process:

CUPE 4070 - Term position, ending in November 2023
Trustee - 1x (No nominations)

WestJet YYZ Base - Term positions, ending in November 2022
WS YYZ Base Vice-President - 1x (Election Required)
Bryan Daniel Hansraj – Read More
Rose Streete – Read More

WS YYZ Communications Committee - 1x (No nominations)

WS YYZ Union Steward - 1x (Acclaimed / No Election)
Ashlee Steed

This by-election vote is now specific to WestJet YYZ Base Members in Good Standing only. If you wish to participate in this election round and have not signed a card, please sign a card and pay the $5 Membership fee on our website at least 24 hours before the nominations or elections end for processing. SIGN A CARD HERE

Your secure voting link will arrive via email from: vote@simplyvoting.com.

If you do not find your voting link in your email, please check your spam/junk folder.

If you are still unable to locate this link, please email Marco Di Virgilio, Recording Secretary & Returning Officer - CUPE 4070, at: vote@cupe4070.ca.

Please include your full name, airline and employee number in the email.

Elections START:
Thursday July 7, 2022 at 03:00 PT/04:00 MT/06:00 ET
Elections END:
Wednesday July 13, 2022 at 15:00 PT/16:00 MT/18:00 ET

Electoral Officer:
The Electoral Officer for this by-election will be Sylvia Alves, WestJet Cabin Crew Member and Communications Committee Chair - YYC Base.

In Solidarity,
Marco Di Virgilio, Recording Secretary & Returning Officer - CUPE 4070

June/July 2022 Newsletter

WestJet Encore & Swoop Members - June Update

Dear WestJet Encore and Swoop Members,

As the month of June ends, we would like to provide you with an overall update on the following topics: 

1. Cabin Temperatures and Summer Operations 

2. YYZ Metering - Fire Chief Order 

1. Cabin Temperatures and Summer Operations 
The Union has already been receiving reports of unsafe cabin temperatures. Cabin temperatures are federally regulated in the Canada Labour Code in Part 7 of Aviation Occupational Health and Safety Regulations:  

“7.1 If feasible, the temperature on board an aircraft shall, if feasible, be maintained at a level of not less than 18°C and not more than 29°C.” 

Your OH&S Committee has been working to get each Member their own personal thermometer, but have come across supply issues. The Union is working on an interim solution, and we will communicate further. 

Despite the absence of a thermometer, all our Members are familiar with the physiological effects to ourselves and our passengers when the APU is not running and the cabin gets too hot. In past summer months, Members have reported crew and passengers overheating, fainting, and requiring EMS. This is an unsafe workplace and action should be taken before this point. 

When you feel the cabin temperature is getting too hot, immediately contact the captain to get the air turned on.

You have the right to a safe workplace. You have the right to refuse dangerous work until unsafe working conditions are made safe. You MUST report unsafe work conditions, including cabin temperature concerns, to the Employer and your OH&S Committee.

2. YYZ Metering - Fire Chief Order
The Union has been in repeated discussions with the Employer about metering, pay and the safety implications of metering, particularly as the hot summer months are upon us.  

Earlier today, the Employer released an Ops Comm - Metering Fire Chief Order. The order sent out from the Mississauga Fire Department to every airline that serves the GTAA further complicates an already fraught situation for both our Members and our guests.

The Union, including your OH&S Committee, met with the Employer today. We shared our concerns that the procedures currently in place are insufficient for the crew under these circumstances and expressed our significant concern for our Members safety. The Employer advised that they have received little documentation related to ICM incidents and metering. For ICM procedures, please reference your Flight Attendant Manual (FAM).

All ICM incidents MUST be reported to the Company 

For the Union to effectively advocate for our membership, IHR reporting is required.

After the Union met with the Employer, we met with our CUPE National Occupational Health and Safety Advisor, Troy Winters. The Union is working on a form for Members to submit on cupe4070.ca to track Metering incidences and concerns ourselves. We will communicate to the Membership when the form is live.

As always, if you require Union assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us: cupe4070.ca/contact 

In Solidarity,
Your CUPE 4070 Executive Team
CUPE 4070 President, Crystal Hill
CUPE 4070 Vice-President, Alia Hussain
CUPE 4070 Secretary-Treasurer, Alex Grigoriev
CUPE 4070 Recording Secretary, Marco Di Virgilio
WestJet YVR Base VP, Chris Brewer
WestJet YYC Base VP, Brigitte Benoit
WestJet YYZ Base VP, Vacant - Pending By-election
WestJet Encore YYC Base VP, Colleen Tracey
WestJet Encore YYZ Base VP, Mauricio Mejia
Swoop Base VP, Allan Ramsarran

WestJet Members - June Update

Dear WestJet Members,

As the month of June ends, we would like to provide you with an overall update on the following topics: 

1. Scheduling meeting with Senior WestJet Leadership-June 29, 2022 

1. Crew Scheduling Hold Times 

1. Cabin Temperatures and Summer Operations 

1. YYZ Metering - Fire Chief Order 

1. YEG Hotel – Westin Downtown 

1. Scheduling meeting with Senior WestJet Leadership-June 29, 2022 

The purpose of the scheduling meeting that occurred yesterday was to address the remedies the Union proposed in the three (3) policy grievances the Union filed on May 12, 2022, addressing the seniority PBS. As communicated earlier this month, the scheduling grievances are in abeyance. Rest assured, they are still very much active, and the Union is consistently identifying and communicating remedies for seniority scheduling.  

The Union maintains that the current system is in violation of the Collective Agreement. 

The Union has spent many, many hours reading emails from our membership and researching ways to make scheduling issues less impactful in the now, while also researching what system would meet the needs of the Membership.

The Meeting: 
The Union brought forward system improvements we identified and sought collaboration on a new system.  

The Union requested the following system improvements:  

• Bid Analyzer feature: The Bid Analyzer allows Cabin Personnel to validate their bids. It does not show you the schedule you will receive, only how your bids are reflected with the weighted system. It allows you to see how the system “satisfies” you with the bids you have entered, prior to bidding close 

• “Max NN” feature: this allows Cabin Personnel to limit the system on how many times a pairing will be awarded. This is helpful for more varied flying; for example, if you would like three BCN layovers, not an entire month of BCN layovers  

• More than 16 bid lines (a consistent request from the SRC and Executive since before this system was implemented)  

• A pairing credit bid option. This will allow members to see the benefit of the equalizer being gone 

• An option to bid for minimum rest between pairings, benefitting Members who bid for one day pairings 

• Consistent blocking windows 

• The ability to bid for where Members want their reserve blocks to be scheduled, outside of requesting days off. Days off requests are consistently not awarded due to how Reserve is scheduled. How and where Reserve is awarded continues to remain a mystery to the Union 

• A separate bid package for CFL Charters 

• Any other option that will provide flexibility, consistency, and more control over one's schedule, regardless of their seniority 

• The Union is also urging the Employer to apply the remedies outlined in Article 34-2.03 for valid Day Off violations  

• The Employer has taken all the Union’s requests back, and have scheduled a meeting with the SRC and ADopt for next Wednesday

The System Itself: 

Through feedback, disputes and issues brought forward by the Membership to the SRC and the Executive, what has been identified is the weighted system is not what our Members desire. We want simplicity. We have requested that the Employer collaborate with the Union in seeking a seniority-based sequential Preferential Bidding System. A sequential PBS does not try to maximize “satisfaction” through math; it awards top down, one bid at a time. If your #1 bid is available, you will be awarded your #1 bid. The system will then move on to #2, etc., etc., until your schedule is complete. This will allow everyone, senior, junior, and in between, a clear understanding of their schedules and what they can hold with their seniority. 

Meetings with ADopt: 

The Employer has pledged to regular meetings between the SRC and ADopt, the developer. The SRC is seeking answers to Reserve scheduling, bidding options, clear definitions in the monthly Reason’s Report, and an overall simplified Reason’s Report. The current Reason’s Report is exceptionally large, not user friendly, and takes a long time and repeated attempts to load, making investigation into scheduling disputes extremely time consuming.

2. Crew Scheduling Hold Times  

The Union has been receiving reports that Cabin Personnel who are calling Crew Scheduling to report sick have experienced lengthy hold times and are subsequently being coded as Late Sick when they finally are able to connect. Please document the number of times you tried to call, and/or the length of time you spent on hold by taking a screen shot of your phone screen. Email your DPM with the details and above documentation and copy your Base VP. 

A reminder to use FLICA to report yourself as Still Sick (STS), or Good to Go (G2G)/Return to Duty (RTD). 

Due to current operational challenges over the long weekend, the Employer has requested that Members only contact Crew Scheduling with immediate/emergency issues.

3. Cabin Temperatures and Summer Operations 

The Union has already been receiving reports of unsafe cabin temperatures. Cabin temperatures are federally regulated in the Canada Labour Code in Part 7 of Aviation Occupational Health and Safety Regulations:  

“7.1 If feasible, the temperature on board an aircraft shall, if feasible, be maintained at a level of not less than 18°C and not more than 29°C.” 

Your OH&S Committee has been working to get each Member their own personal thermometer, but have come across supply issues. The Union is working on an interim solution, and we will communicate further. 

Despite the absence of a thermometer, all our Members are familiar with the physiological effects to ourselves and our passengers when the APU is not running and the cabin gets too hot. In past summer months, Members have reported crew and passengers overheating, fainting, and requiring EMS. This is an unsafe workplace and action should be taken before this point. 

When you feel the cabin temperature is getting too hot, immediately contact the captain to get the air turned on.  

You have the right to a safe workplace. You have the right to refuse dangerous work until unsafe working conditions are made safe. You MUST report unsafe work conditions, including cabin temperature concerns, to the Employer and your OH&S Committee.

4. YYZ Metering - Fire Chief Order

The Union has been in repeated discussions with the Employer about metering, pay and the safety implications of metering, particularly as the hot summer months are upon us.  

Earlier today, the Employer released an Ops Comm - Metering Fire Chief Order. The order sent out from the Mississauga Fire Department to every airline that serves the GTAA further complicates an already fraught situation for both our Members and our guests. 

The Union, including your OH&S Committee, met with the Employer today. We shared our concerns that the procedures currently in place are insufficient for the crew under these circumstances and expressed our significant concern for our Members safety. The Employer advised that they have received little documentation related to ICM incidents and metering. For ICM procedures, please reference in the FAM section 3A.6.6.4.

All ICM incidents MUST be reported to the Company 

For the Union to effectively advocate for our membership, IHR reporting is required. For instructions on how to log in or submit an IHR please refer to the “Welcome Booklet Intune v.4” on your CCD. 

After the Union met with the Employer, we met with our CUPE National Occupational Health and Safety Advisor, Troy Winters. The Union is working on a form for Members to submit on cupe4070.ca to track Metering incidences and concerns ourselves. We will communicate to the Membership when the form is live.

5. YEG Hotel – Westin Downtown 

The Hotel & Transportation Committee and OH&S Committee met with the Employer to discuss concerns related to the area surrounding the YEG Westin Downtown hotel. The Employer has received 45 reports from Members since 2019, including several reports of assault. The Employer and Corporate Security conducted a thorough investigation into the YEG Westin Downtown hotel and determined that, despite the reports and the request to move hotels by the Union, the YEG Westin Downtown hotel location is safe.  

The Employer informed the Committees that they will continue to meet to hear concerns related to this property.  

ALPA’s Hotel & Transportation Committee have not received any safety reports, and they have decided that they do not want to be part of this move. 

We ask that you continue to submit concerns and incidents on the Crew Connex app and via IHR-Crew Accommodations and Transportation. For instructions on how to log into Crew Connex please search for the “Welcome Booklet Intune v.4” on your CCD.  

Every IHR submitted supports the Union’s position of demanding change. 

As always, if you require Union assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us: cupe4070.ca/contact 

In Solidarity,
Your CUPE 4070 Executive Team
CUPE 4070 President, Crystal Hill
CUPE 4070 Vice-President, Alia Hussain
CUPE 4070 Secretary-Treasurer, Alex Grigoriev
CUPE 4070 Recording Secretary, Marco Di Virgilio
WestJet YVR Base VP, Chris Brewer
WestJet YYC Base VP, Brigitte Benoit
WestJet YYZ Base VP, Vacant - Pending By-election
WestJet Encore YYC Base VP, Colleen Tracey
WestJet Encore YYZ Base VP, Mauricio Mejia
Swoop Base VP, Allan Ramsarran

Swoop Non-Monetary MOA - Vote Results

Dear Swoop Members,

The Swoop non-monetary MOA vote has now closed.

The MOA has been accepted for implementation by Swoop Members as follows:

YES: 91.8%
NO: 8.2%

Thank you to all Swoop Members that took the time to participate in this vote.

In Solidarity,
Your CUPE 4070 Executive Team
Swoop Base VP, Allan Ramsarran
CUPE 4070 President, Crystal Hill
CUPE 4070 Vice-President, Alia Hussain
CUPE 4070 Secretary-Treasurer, Alex Grigoriev
CUPE 4070 Recording Secretary, Marco Di Virgilio
WestJet YVR Base VP, Chris Brewer
WestJet YYC Base VP, Brigitte Benoit
WestJet YYZ Base VP, Vacant - Pending By-election
WestJet Encore YYC Base VP, Colleen Tracey
WestJet Encore YYZ Base VP, Mauricio Mejia

Removal of Transportation Restrictions

Dear Members,

Your CUPE 4070 Hotels and Transportation Committee would like to inform you that as of July 1st 2022, these following COVID restrictions will be lifted: 

• Removal of physical distancing requirements in vehicles. 

• Cabin Personnel / Flight Attendants will be able to sit in the front seat. 

• Drivers and Cabin Personnel / Flight Attendants are encouraged to wear masks, but depending on different local mandates this may be mandatory. 

• Re-introduce the guest transfer request form (WS/WR). 

If you have any questions or concerns regarding Hotels and Transportation, please contact us at: hotels@cupe4070.ca 

In Solidarity,
Your CUPE 4070 Hotel and Transportation Committee

June/July 2022 By-Election

Dear Members,

We will be holding another by-election for various positions in the Union. Please review this information carefully:

The following position is a term position, ending in November 2023:

CUPE 4070
*Trustee - 1x
*Open to all Members In Good Standing from all 3 units

The following positions are term positions, ending in November 2022:

WestJet
**WS YYZ Base:
WS YYZ Base Vice-President - 1x
WS YYZ Communications Committee - 1x
WS YYZ Union Steward - 1x
**Open to all Members In Good Standing from WestJet YYZ Base only

Please take note of the following timelines: 

Nominations OPEN:
Friday June 24, 2022 at 03:00 PT/04:00 MT/06:00 ET
Nominations CLOSE:
Thursday June 30, 2022 at 15:00 PT/16:00 MT/18:00 ET
Nomination Acceptance Email OUT:
Friday July 1, 2022
Nomination Acceptance DUE:
Monday July 4, 2022 at 15:00 PT/16:00 MT/18:00 ET 
Resume/Info Sheet DUE:
Tuesday July 5, 2022 at 15:00 PT/16:00 MT/18:00 ET
Elections START: 
Thursday July 7, 2022 at 03:00 PT/04:00 MT/06:00 ET
Elections END:
Wednesday July 13, 2022 at 15:00 PT/16:00 MT/18:00 ET

Members In Good Standing (signed card and paid $5 Membership fee) can nominate other Members In Good Standing and participate in the voting process. If you wish to participate in this election round and have not signed a card, please sign a card and pay the $5 Membership fee on our website at least 24 hours before the nominations or elections end for processing. SIGN A CARD HERE 

Nomination Forms
CUPE 4070 Trustee
WestJet YYZ
 
All nomination forms must be filled out electronically or printed and scanned and sent by email to: elections@cupe4070.ca
Please include the position and the nominee's name in the subject line of your email. 

Notes

• The nominator must discuss the nomination with the nominee and both must be Members In Good Standing (Signed Union card and paid $5 membership fee) 

• Unit and base specific positions require the nominee and the nominator to be from the same base and unit

• Only one nomination form is required per nominee for the same position.  

• You cannot nominate yourself. 

Nomination Acceptance
All Members who have been nominated will be sent an email from Marco Di Virgilio, Recording Secretary & Returning Officer, asking if they will allow their name to stand on the ballot and accept the nomination.

If you have been nominated for a position, please monitor your email and spam/junk folder during this period. Nominees who do not reply by the deadline will automatically be considered to have declined their nomination.

Resume/Info Sheet
All nominees that accept their nomination will be given the opportunity to provide a one (1) page (standard 8.5x11 size) resume/info sheet which can be posted on our social media pages and website with links sent by email to all Members for review.

Nominees must send their resume/info sheet in PDF format to: elections@cupe4070.ca

You can start creating your resume/information sheet ASAP. 

Please do not 

• Submit large file resume/info sheets 

• Use company logos 

• Provide any information you don’t want public 

Electoral Officer: 
The Electoral Officer for this by-election will be Sylvia Alves, WestJet Cabin Crew Member and Communications Committee Chair - YYC Base. 


In Solidarity,
Marco Di Virgilio, Recording Secretary & Returning Officer - CUPE 4070

Swoop Non-Monetary MOA - Update

Dear Swoop Members,

We hosted our non-monetary MOA Townhall yesterday. We would like to thank the Members in attendance for their participation.

The recording can be viewed on our website in the Member Portal: https://www.cupe4070.ca/portal

Please review this email for more information on the MOA, the voting timelines and for instructions on setting up your Portal access.

In Solidarity,
Your CUPE 4070 Executive Team
Swoop Base VP, Allan Ramsarran
CUPE 4070 President, Crystal Hill
CUPE 4070 Vice-President, Alia Hussain
CUPE 4070 Secretary-Treasurer, Alex Grigoriev
CUPE 4070 Recording Secretary, Marco Di Virgilio
WestJet YVR Base VP, Chris Brewer
WestJet YYC Base VP, Brigitte Benoit
WestJet YYZ Base VP, Vacant - Pending By-election
WestJet Encore YYC Base VP, Colleen Tracey
WestJet Encore YYZ Base VP, Mauricio Mejia

July Block Award Update

Dear WestJet Members,  

It has been brought to our attention that the Scheduling Review Committee and Members of the Executive are receiving abusive and offensive messages via personal social media and emails from some of the Membership.  

All of us are well past frustration with implementation of seniority schedules, and the errors identified in July 2022 schedules which resulted in a delayed release is the cherry on top of what has been a horrendous few months.  

What has occurred with seniority bidding and July schedules is NOT the Scheduling Review Committee’s, nor any Union representatives, fault. The Union works for you, not against you.  

No Member should be subject to abuse and/or harassment from another Member. No Elected Member should be subject to abuse and/or harassment from other Members.  

This is especially egregious when considering every Member fully understands who is responsible for this error. This is the Employer’s error – they have publicly acknowledged and admitted it.  

There is no circumstance, no matter how upsetting an issue is, where abuse of any Member is acceptable or should be tolerated. We are all bound by the CUPE Equality Statement, the CUPE Constitution, the Code of Conduct set out in our Bylaws, the Oath of Membership, and for other elected Union Representatives, our Oath of Office. A piece of paper should not have to determine how another human being is treated, but these are tools to reinforce how we should be treating each other.   

Your Elected Representatives are also your colleagues, and we are all subject to the same workplace policies every Member is, even in the course of carrying out Union duties.  

Whatever avenue you choose to send your concerns to, whether that is to the Employer or the Union, the expectation is that all communication is respectful.  

In Solidarity,
Crystal Hill, Local 4070 President  
Alia Hussain, Local 4070 Vice-President 

July 2022 Block Awards & Grievances Update

Dear Members,

Your CUPE 4070 WS SRC and members of the Executive met with the Employer today to discuss the delay in schedule release. When this was presented to the Union last night, we asked for expedited Flica processing for June/July and a full block day of compensation for every WestJet Member. The Employer has rejected the monetary ask; they countered with a GDO for each Cabin Personnel. Your Union does not think this is a sufficient remedy that respects your time, especially given that this is the third month of an ongoing failed rollout, Seniority Bidding. Our expectation is that we receive a more meaningful resolution for our Members. The answer to expedited Flica processing is outstanding. 

Many members are asking why there is no bargained language speaking to a remedy or recourse when schedules are delayed due to Employer or system errors. The simple answer should be that a remedy shouldn’t have to be negotiated – schedules should be released on the 21st of each month, unless mutually agreed upon and due to extreme circumstances (i.e., schedule release delay due to layoffs, as we saw in February 2021). However, the absence of language allows the Union to ask for a reasonable and fair outcome that reflects the circumstance of the violation, without limiting us when schedule release is delayed.  

On June 6, 2022, Crystal Hill, CUPE 4070 President, Alia Hussain, CUPE 4070 Vice-President, Brigitte Benoit, CUPE 4070 WS YYC Base Vice-President, and Sarah Ferraro, WS SRC Chair, met the Employer in a grievance hearing to argue the three Policy Grievances the Union filed on May 12, 2022, over the seniority bidding system that was implemented in May 2022 (14 months following ratification).  

The grievances were clearly received by the Employer. Shortly after the grievance hearing ended, the Employer reached out to the Union to discuss next steps.  

The grievance process in Article 30 of the Collective Agreement outlines timelines that must be met by both the Union and the Employer. The Union has 30 days to file a grievance, the Employer has 14 days to respond to the grievance, and 14 days to issue a decision.  

Depending on the complexities of a grievance, mutually agreed upon resolutions between the Union and the Employer cannot meet the 14-day timeline. When that happens, both parties can agree to put grievances into abeyance while actively working through a mutually agreed upon resolution. 

Putting a grievance into abeyance means the grievance is still active, but not subject to timelines – timelines are put on hold, the grievance itself is not.  The resolutions requested by the Union in the three scheduling Policy Grievances cannot be mutually agreed upon in 14 days therefore, both sides have agreed to put the Policy Grievances into abeyance to facilitate required discussion. Putting a grievance into abeyance allows both sides time to come to a mutually agreed upon resolution.  

After the grievance hearing, the Union and the Employer scheduled a meeting for June 29, 2022 to discuss seniority bidding and next steps. The Union is seeking the following: 

• A seniority bidding system that respects true seniority, as was the bargained intent, to be jointly evaluated and selected by representatives from the Union and the Employer 

• The system must allow the Scheduling Review Committee and our Members to clearly understand why they received the schedule they did, and why a day off violation was deemed valid 

• Identification and implementation of improvements to the current system in the interim 

As for the Individual Day Off Disputes and Individual Scheduling Grievances the Union filed related to May 2022 schedules, the Company has requested the Union withdraw these grievances. The Company believes the issue(s) will be addressed systemically through two of the three Policy Grievances already submitted.  

The Union has since advised that we are not in a position to withdraw any days off disputes and/or individual scheduling grievances. Instead, the Union has requested that all monthly individual scheduling grievances (current and upcoming) be placed into temporary abeyance as active discussion on the current Policy Grievances (WS-POL-2022-002/003/004) are ongoing.   

Any remedy to the Policy Grievances would need to address all members of the bargaining unit and would need to satisfy the provisions of the Collective Agreement as per Article 34-2.02 and 34-2.03. Individual scheduling grievances will not be settled quickly or out of convenience.  The Union will continue to file individual scheduling grievances every month as the Collective Agreement continues to be violated.  

We know the impacts on delayed schedule release and this bidding system has had on our Membership. This is absolutely unacceptable.

Ultimately, if we could prevent the Employer’s errors, we would. If we could fix this overnight, we would. The Union has been vigorously exercising the grievance process, and we will continue to do so.  

The Union will be sure to keep the Membership informed as more information is available. 

As always, if you have any questions, concerns, or require representation in a meeting, please contact your Union: cupe4070.ca/contact 

In Solidarity,
Your CUPE 4070 WS SRC
Sarah Ferraro (Chair)
Shelley MacDonald
Calvin Gautschi
Your CUPE 4070 Executive Team
CUPE 4070 President, Crystal Hill
CUPE 4070 Vice-President, Alia Hussain
CUPE 4070 Secretary-Treasurer, Alex Grigoriev
CUPE 4070 Recording Secretary, Marco Di Virgilio
WestJet YVR Base VP, Chris Brewer
WestJet YYC Base VP, Brigitte Benoit
WestJet YYZ Base VP, Vacant - Pending By-election
WestJet Encore YYC Base VP, Colleen Tracey
WestJet Encore YYZ Base VP, Mauricio Mejia
Swoop Base VP, Allan Ramsarran

Uniform Sizing Issues

Dear WestJet and WestJet Encore Members, 

As the launch of the new uniform draws near, packages have started to arrive at your doorsteps with your new uniforms in them.    

As exciting as this is, it has come to the committee’s attention that some items aren’t fitting as they did during the trial fittings, and some of you are concerned about not having a properly fitting uniform for the launch.  The committee has spoken to the Company and they are asking anyone with fit issues to reach out to them so that they can collect this information and take it back to Unisync for troubleshooting.   

If you have issues with the new uniforms not fitting properly, please email Elise Featherstone or Leah McDonald at: uniforms@westjet.com, and please CC the uniform committee at: uniforms@cupe4070.ca so that we’re aware of how many of you are having issues.  If you can, and feel comfortable doing so, please include pictures of the fit issues.  These will help when submitting everything to Unisync. 

We would like to remind you that some orders have been “split”, so, you might not have all of the items you originally ordered in your packages.  The reason for these split orders is because the employer had to make quantity projections for each piece, however, some pieces saw considerably more orders than what was projected.  In order for everyone to have a functional uniform for rollout, orders had to be split into different shipments.  As soon as those split pieces arrive, they will be mailed out to you immediately.  

If you have any questions or concerns, please speak to a uniform committee rep, or email us at: uniforms@cupe4070.ca. 

Happy and safe flying everyone. 

  
In Solidarity, 

Your CUPE 4070 WS & WR Uniform Committee 

July 2022 Block Award - UPDATE

Dear Members,

Less than three hours ago, the CUPE 4070 WS SRC was notified by the Employer that there was a significant error in the allocation of reserve blocks across all three bases, YVR, YYC and YYZ. Your WS SRC, Local Executive, and Communications teams met with WestJet leadership at 20:00MT. Two options were presented to the Union; neither were desirable for our Members. The Employer was going to choose one of these options regardless of whether the Union was consulted. A delay in schedules is a direct violation of the Collective Agreement, however, the CA does not provide a remedy for a delay in schedules. 

We understand that a delay in a Cabin Personnel schedule is detrimental to planning upcoming monthly activities, including securing childcare, coordinating with partners and family, and managing a work/life balance. Our Members time has value – delaying schedule release has impact on our time. The Union has requested that if schedules must be re-run, the delay is reflected in expedited Flica processing, with priority given to pairing drops/trades in that touch the last day of June, and carry over pairings into July. Additionally, the Union has asked the Employer for financial compensation due to this delay for every WestJet Member. The Employer has taken our request away to discuss with senior management. 

The news and burden of yet another seniority system issue that has resulted in further disruption to our Members lives is not only incredibly frustrating but hugely disappointing.  

An update on this situation and all grievances, policy and individual, will be provided tomorrow, June 22, 2022. 

In Solidarity,
Your CUPE 4070 Scheduling Review Committee & CUPE 4070 Executive Team

July 2022 Block Awards - Dispute Form

Dear WestJet Members,

Your CUPE 4070 WS SRC is aware that the Employer’s scheduling dispute form on SharePoint (Westnet) is not working. We have had a massive influx of emails, and would like to remind our Members that emailing the SRC does not record your dispute.  
 

Disputes MUST be done through the Employer’s form. 

We have informed the Employer that the form is not working and will update the Membership when more information is available. 

In Solidarity,
Your CUPE 4070 WestJet Scheduling Review Committee

Swoop Non-Monetary MOA

Dear Swoop Members,

We are presenting you with a Memorandum of Agreement as per Article 8-1.05 of the Swoop Collective Agreement:  

“The Parties acknowledge that due to this being a first collective agreement, there may be instances in which the Parties need to review and amend language in the collective agreement. It is also understood that any amendments must be with the agreement of both Parties and shall be of ‘net-zero’ financial cost to the Company. In March of each year, either Party may request a meeting to discuss issues as pursuant to this Article.”  

As implementation of our first ever Collective Agreement continues, it is recognized that we are likely to identify areas where some changes may be advantageous. The Union and Company met on May 24, 2022, and negotiated several non-monetary changes, or ‘net-zero’, to wording and articles in the CA; to address the needs of both Swoop Members and the Company. Attached you will find the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Union and the Company resulting from these recent negotiations.  
  

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE MOA  
  

Townhall
To provide context and answer Member questions, your Union will hold a Townhall related to this MOA ratification vote.  

Date: June 22, 2022 
Time: 14:00PT / 15:00MT / 17:00 ET 
Location: Microsoft Teams
Who can attend: All Swoop Members, regardless of having signed a Union card.

REGISTRATION LINK

NOTE: You must register and attend the Townhall using your personal email address. Registration will be verified.

We look forward to your participation in this special MOA Townhall.  

 
Voting Process
All Swoop Members, regardless of having signed a Union card, are legally allowed to participate in the MOA vote. Any Member who has not signed a Union card or does not currently have an email address on file with the Local are asked to complete the Rand Member Form on our website to ensure you receive your MOA voting package. If you would like to become a Member in Good Standing you can sign a card HERE.  
   
Voting Opens: June 22, 2022 @ 15:00PT / 16:00MT / 18:00ET  

Voting Closes: June 29, 2022 @ 15:00PT / 16:00MT / 18:00ET  

Your secure voting link will arrive via email from: vote@simplyvoting.com.
   
If you do not find your voting link in your email, please check your spam/junk folder. 

If you are still unable to locate this link, please email Marco Di Virgilio, CUPE 4070 Recording Secretary at vote@cupe4070.ca. Please include your full name, airline, and employee number in the email.  

Website Portal 
If you have not already registered to the website portal, please follow these instructions:

To register:
Work Group: Swoop
Visit www.cupe4070.ca/swoop-sign-up
Enter password: CUPE4070
Click the “Subscribe” link
Complete the registration form
You will receive an email confirmation. Follow the steps in the email.
 
Important:
DO NOT forward this email to anyone
DO NOT share the password with anyone
All registrations will be verified
 
Very Important:
USE A PERSONAL EMAIL ADDRESS. DO NOT USE YOUR COMPANY EMAIL.
Use the email address on record with the Local (the one this email was sent to).
 
If after completing your registration if you still cannot access the Member section of the website, please use the contact page and select LOG-IN ISSUES. 

NOTE: You will receive an automatic reply once you set-up your account with a link to verify your email address. Please double check your spam/junk folder in case this email lands there. Once you have confirmed your email address in the link provided in the email, you can go ahead and access the password protected area of our website.
 

In Solidarity,
Your CUPE 4070 Executive Team
Swoop Base VP, Allan Ramsarran
CUPE 4070 President, Crystal Hill
CUPE 4070 Vice-President, Alia Hussain
CUPE 4070 Secretary-Treasurer, Alex Grigoriev
CUPE 4070 Recording Secretary, Marco Di Virgilio
WestJet YVR Base VP, Chris Brewer
WestJet YYC Base VP, Brigitte Benoit
WestJet YYZ Base VP, Vacant - Pending By-election
WestJet Encore YYC Base VP, Colleen Tracey
WestJet Encore YYZ Base VP, Mauricio Mejia