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Open Letter to WestJet AP Executive
Open Letter to WestJet AP Executive
Dear Members,
Your CUPE Executive Board sent a letter to the COO Deiderik Pen and CEO Alexis Von Hoensbroech yesturday evening. We are sharing this with our membership as the events of the past 48 hours have been of significant concern to the Board.
Click here to read this letter.
Please be assured your Executive remains consistently engaged with the Executive Board of Westjet AP and ALPA MEC throughout the day and evening and we are committed to providing you updates as soon as they are made available. The interests of membership are the Boards tops priority.
Your CUPE 4070 Executive Team
President, Alia Hussain
Vice-President, Charles Brochu
Secretary-Treasurer, Alex Grigoriev
Recording Secretary, Calvin Gautschi
WestJet YEG/YVR Base VP, Chris Brewer
WestJet YYC Base VP, Brandy Whitby
WestJet YYZ Base VP, Bryan Hansraj
WestJet Encore YYC Base VP, Adrian Dayrit
WestJet Encore YYZ Base VP, Vacant
Swoop Base VP, Sherrie Moore
Wet Lease Notice Sunwing
Wet Lease Notice - Sunwing- May 2023
Dear Members
The past 18 hours have been a busy one for the Union. A breakdown of the recent events are as follows:
·Late afternoon on May 11th, the Employer advised CUPE 4070 of Notice of a Wet Lease, from May 16-30, 2023 from Sunwing, for the limited purpose of responding to IROPs that may arise out of the potential ALPA labor action.
·The Union reached out to ALPA immediately for a collaborative discussion on the matter as these impacts both groups.
·The Union initiated consultations with our internal Legal team to better understand our landscape and options available to us in how to respond to this matter.
· Early this morning on May 12th, the Employer advised they would be rescinding the Notice of Wet Lease.
It is extremely disappointing to know that the Employer considered using this tactic, which would only aide in creating an environment that would set Pilots against Pilots or Cabin Crew against Cabin Crew. Sewing divisions within Labour groups is hardly acting in good faith and an insult to any unionized workforce within this organization, including the Sunwing pilots and Flight Attendants, and to a further extent the entire industry. We are relieved that the company has rescinded this notice.
It was also encouraging to read the email, sent from Unifor Local 7378 Sunwing Pilots to their members advising them of their position on the matter as being “unacceptable”. See communication here
We are in communication with the CUPE Local 4055 (Sunwing CCMs) and we will send an update as soon as we have one.
Notice of Strike
As of 00:01 on May 13th the pilots can issue the Notice of Strike.
What this means and how it impacts you
This means pilots can go on strike by giving notice and their strike can commence 72h after the notice is given.
If a strike happens, it can impact you. The company has advised that it’s contingency plan will be enacted once the Notice of Strike has been issued. No other details were provided as it will depend on the scenario and how it unfolds. We will have daily morning calls after a notice is given to establish a plan.
The Employer can utilize layoffs of Cabin Personnel during a strike, but they must follow the timelines and parameters outlined in our Collective Agreement article 47 and specifically 47-3.02.
We ask our members for their patience as we work through the many details required to ensure we are sharing the most accurate and up to date information with our members. We want to assure our membership that we are on top of this, this is a very fast and constantly evolving situation. The potential impact it will have on our members is our top priority!
By-Elections May 2023
By-Elections May 2023
Good day Members,
Here is the information for the second round of by-elections.
Elections occur as per the bylaws. Vacant roles can occur for a many reasons, such as flowing from one Unit to another, moving bases (if it is base specific role) or from being unfilled in previous elections etc.
The following is an outline for Elections May 2023:
Nominations Open:
May 11, 2023 at 03:00PT / 04:00MT / 06:00ET
Nominations Close:
May 18, 2023 at 14:00PT / 15:00MT / 17:00ET
Nomination Acceptance Due:
May 24, 2023 at 14:00PT / 15:00MT / 17:00ET
Resume/Info Sheet Due:
May 26, 2023 at 14:00PT / 15:00MT / 17:00ET
First Round Election Start:
May 30, 2023 at 03:00PT / 04:00MT / 06:00ET
First Round Election End:
June 5, 2023 at 15:00PT / 16:00MT / 18:00ET
Only Members in Good Standing can be nominated and can participate in the voting process. In order to do so, please sign a card and pay the $5 Membership fee (if you haven't already) in order to begin that process, click here: SIGN A CARD. After all steps are completed, the final step is finished at the next GMM, which occurs every May and November.
Notes
The nominator must discuss the nomination with the nominee and both must be Members In Good Standing.
Unit and base specific positions require the nominee and the nominator to be from the same base and unit.
Unit specific positions require the nominee and the nominator to be from the same unit.
Only one nomination form is required per nominee for the same position.
For Grievance Committee nominations, only current Stewards can be nominated, must be same unit and same base.
DO NOT submit multiple nominations for the same person and the same role.
You cannot nominate yourself.
Click here to review all positions open for nominations.
For more information regarding the roles and expectations, please consult the bylaws.
To fill out nomination forms please: click here
All nomination forms that have been submitted receive an automatic reply right a ways. If you did not receive an automatic reply, please check your junk folder. Submit again if you did not get an automatic reply. Email inquiries to: nominations@cupe4070.ca
Nomination Acceptance
All Members who have been nominated will be sent an email asking if they will allow their name to stand on the ballot and to accept the nomination.
If you have been nominated for a position, please monitor your email including your spam/junk folders 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 to view.
Nominees must send their resume/info sheet in PDF format only to: nominations@cupe4070.ca
You can start creating your resume/information sheet ASAP.
Please Do Not:
Submit large file resume/info sheets (under 1,000kb only)
Use company logos
Provide any information you don’t want public
Electoral Officer:
The Electoral Officer for this by-election will be Jael Gosselin, WestJet YYC Base Cabin Crew Member.
Respectfully,
Calvin Gautschi
Recording Secretary - CUPE 4070
General Membership Meeting Sign-Up
General Membership Meeting Sign-Up
Hello WO, WR and WS!
On May 17, 2023, the General Membership Meeting (GMM) is scheduled for 10:00PT/11:00MT/13:00ET virtually on Microsoft Teams.
GMMs are vital to the Local as it is one of two formal meetings conducted for the Local between the elected Representatives and the Membership. Business is conducted formally at these meetings, following rules of order outlined in the Local's Bylaws. Reports from the Executives, Committees, along with budget presentation and adoption by the Membership, and important local updates are shared. To reference the Local’s Bylaws and Rules of Order, please click here.
Please join us in the GMM on May 17th (10:00PT/11:00MT/13:00ET) open to Members in Good Standing and those who completed the application process. Sign up here for the GMM.
Please read the previous GMM minutes here.
Please read the previous SMM minutes here.
When signing into the GMM, please ensure you change your name when entering the meeting to reflect your unit, employee number and name to help our team confirm you are a Member in Good Standing and allow entry. Please be patient as it can take several minutes to verify and admit everyone into the meeting.
For example, WestJet Members:
WS 29902 Bryan Hansraj
For example, Encore Members:
WR 32168 Adrian Dayrit
For example, Swoop Members:
WO 800278 Sherrie Moore
Your attendance is pivotal to decision making at our local. Quorum is the required number of attendees so that the meeting can take place. Quorum at Local 4070 per the bylaws, is a minimum of 40 members plus at least two members of the board.
**Please note when you log into the meeting, your full name must be visible. If your first and last name is not visible, we do not know who you are and you will not be let into the meeting.**
Voluntary Reserve Release Trial
Voluntary Reserve Release Trial
Dear WestJet Members,
CUPE and WestJet have signed a MOA to trial Voluntary Reserve Release. The intention of this MOA is to allow for some degree of flexibility for our members who hold reserve. The Company has proposed a six (6) month trial program to allow Cabin Personnel to voluntarily request unpaid release from the last one (1), two (2), or three (3) Reserve Periods of a Reserve Block, subject to the Company’s operational requirements.
The Cabin Personnel’s MMG will be reduced accordingly by the Credit Hours of the Reserve Period(s) removed.
The trial is scheduled to run for 6 months (or if terminated earlier, 30 calendar day written notice must be provided – see the MOA). The trial commences on May 9th, 2023
Please view the MOA here.
If you have questions, please reach out to your DPM.
If you have feedback on the Trial, good, bad or otherwise please share this with your Base VP to ensure we can provide the company with feedback based on member experience.
Hotel and Transportation Update
Hotel and Transportation Update
May 2023
Hi Everyone,
We recently sent out a late winter communication, but felt an early spring update was necessary due to the number of changes that have occurred. Although these are just brief updates, please, as always, feel free to contact us should you have more questions.
TOKYO
The Intercontinental Tokyo Bay has been selected for our new Narita layovers. This layover was heavily discussed and in the end was mutually agreed upon by all parties to be in a central part of Tokyo, as opposed to Narita City. Although this does come with a longer than usual transport time, we felt crews would appreciate this given the length of the layovers. Should layover times be reduced in the future, a second look at this market may be warranted.
LONDON GATWICK
Gatwick continues to present challenges regarding agreement language and viable options. A visit took place in January where we expanded our perimeter to include several surrounding towns/cities, going as far as Croydon. In the end, nothing compared to the safety, comfort, and accessibility of our incumbent hotel – the Sofitel. Although most layovers in LGW will hover around 24 hours, both CUPE and ALPA did agree to placing crews at the Holiday Inn Kensington (our LHR hotel) for the odd Gatwick layover that exceeds 25 hours. While few in number, it was felt that crews would appreciate being in central London on longer overnights.
DUBLIN
This season all crews will move to the Hyatt Centric Liberties, which accommodated many of our crews last summer. The decision to leave the Gresham was based largely on continuous construction noise (and its complaints). The Hyatt is a newly built hotel with spacious rooms and modern amenities. It was well received by crew that overnighted at the property in 2022.
HOUSTON & SAN FRANCISCO
With longer layovers coming up, the decision was made to secure rooms centrally at the Hilton Americas (IAH) and Marriott Union Square (SFO). These hotels were chosen without a site visit due to last minute requirements but were based on data from previous visits and with corporate security weighing in on our options. Site visits will be scheduled once we have more insight on how these layovers will look in the future.
REGINA
As of March 1st, all cabin crew member layovers are now at the Atlas Hotel. The Delta Regina, which was located downtown, received mixed reviews and after discussing our options with the company the decision was made to move to one hotel in this city. Crews appreciate the generous discount in the restaurant and the options for eating and shopping nearby. This city is now the second example of pilots and cabin crew having different hotel options (ALPA requested to continue staying at the Delta).
OTTAWA
After a site visit at the end of 2022, the option was proposed of moving crews on all layovers back to downtown Ottawa. Numerous complaints about room allocation and shuttle wait times at our short stay property, and a lack of other options at the airport, facilitated this. With dedicated transportation and a relatively short average travel time, we hope crews will enjoy being back in the center of our country’s capital moving forward.
VICTORIA
After a brief visit in February, our long stay hotel in YYJ has now changed to the downtown Marriott hotel. The reason for this is simple – Delta Ocean Pointe was no longer able to provide enough rooms for our needs and a new option needed to be sourced. We look forward to our new property partnership in Victoria.
We have one more city to visit before taking a break for the busy summer season that lies ahead for all of us. We will continue to update you on notable changes as they progress. Please continue to submit reports on Crew Connex or get in touch with us at any time. We wish you a happy and safe summer of flying.
Your CUPE 4070 Hotel and Transportation Committee (hotels@cupe4070.ca)
Ryan Jones – YYZ representative (ryan.jones@cupe4070.ca)
Tyler Thomas – YVR representative (tyler.thomas@cupe4070.ca)
Douglas Rotchell – YYC representative (douglas.rotchell@cupe4070.ca)
Newsletter-May 2023
Topics in this Newsletter:
MMIWG2S Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women, Girls & 2 Spirit
CUPE 4070 President Updates
GMM May 17th- SIGN UP TODAY!
Who to Contact
May Elections
Base Vice Presidents' (BVPs') Update
Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) Update
Galley Gossip
Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women,
Girls & 2 Spirit (MMIWG2S)
May 5th honours the thousands of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, 2 spirit, and gender diverse people in Canada, this day is also known as MMIWG2S.
The day is about building awareness of the ongoing harm to Indigenous people and honouring those we have lost and their families. You can mark the day by:
Wearing red and posting it to social media. Use hashtags such as: #MMIWG, #MMIWG2S, #RedDressDay, #WhyWeWearRed, and #NoMoreStolenSisters
Hang a red dress in your window or your yard.
Learning about Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women, Girls, 2 Spirit, and gender diverse people can be traumatizing for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous learners. Please take care and seek support if you need it.
CUPE 4070 President Update
#UNPAIDWORKWONTFLY Day of Action- Airline Division Campaign April 25, 2023
Thank you for the participation in the Airline Division Campaign to raise awareness with the #unipaidworkwontfly campaign. A special thank you to all those who came out to hold a sign, all those who shared the survey and lastly to everyone who shared the message on social media. We handed out tags and bookmarks that day. Received National and Local coverage. This was truly an incredible experience. To see Flight Attendants regardless of uniform come together on an issue that affects us all was a powerful moment.
We handed out bag tags and bookmarks on the day. We have heard overwhelmingly that our people want a bag tag please be assured we are working on sourcing more! Stay tuned for more to come on this!
A reminder to our crew to please be mindful of the Company policies applicable to social media and Uniforms. Violations of policies may lead to discipline.
ADCP Quarterly meeting: I will be travelling to YYT to meet with the Division Presidents to discuss the next steps of our Campaign. Stay tuned.
Upcoming Pilots Strike
We have received a number of questions about the ALPA-Pilots negotiations and the possibility of Strike action. Our message to our members is our Collective Agreement is in full force and effect. We are and will remain the responsibility of the Company during this scenario.
The Company advised on May 3rd they are working on a Contingency Plan and will share that once they have finalized the plan.
If you have any questions or concerns- Please contact your DPM.
YEG Base
We are pleased to have negotiated a MOA to have YEG base language captured for both Training travel pay and Grooming. It was important to us to have this language captured in writing for our members.
On May 3rd we joined the WS leadership team at the YEG Airport to kick off the YEG base opening and celebrate the opening of the Base with our members.
PBS SYSTEM:
We remain actively engaged with the company in attempting to Resolve the Policy Grievances that were filed one year ago on the seniority system rollout. The Union understands the importance and significance of language when it comes to this and unfortunately the recent round of discussions did not result in a MOA the Union could sign. We remain committed to resolving this matter and will provide updates as they become available.
IHR’s-
The value of an IHR cannot be underestimated. It is the single most impactful tool we have as Cabin Crew. IHRs change the landscape of the conversation in our meetings and are a direct way to impact change. Recently the company made changes to the service carts on the 737 operations. If you experience a problem/concern or believe they are a hazard, please report this so that we can get a product or solution that works for our members.
Alia Hussain
CUPE 4070 President
General Membership Meeting (GMM)
Want to hear updates from Committees and Executives?
Have your voice heard! Have your vote on the budget!
(A budget is going to be presented and voted upon)
The meeting requires quorum to be held. Quorum for this type of meeting is 40 Members plus 2 Board Members minimum (Bylaws Section 5(c)). Without your participation, the Union cannot proceed forward to continue a smooth operation for you.
Please join us in the GMM on May 17th (10:00PT/11:00MT/13:00ET) open to Members in Good Standing and those who completed the application process. Sign up here.
Please read the previous GMM minutes here.
Please read the previous SMM minutes here.
**Please note when you log into the meeting, your full name must be visible. If your first and last name is not visible, we do not know who you are and you will not be let into the meeting.**
Who to Contact
Social Media
We are not able to respond on social media as there is not the manpower to do so. If you need to contact a CUPE representative please do so on the website here.
Who Do I Contact Within the Union?
-General questions regarding scheduling, pay etc, direct them to the Employer first, if they cannot answer it or it needs escalating, contact your Base VP
-If you have a meeting with the employer, contact your Base VP
-If its an unresolved issue with the employer or needs escalation, contact your Base VP
-If it is scheduling related, include your Base VP and the SRC
-If it is regarding a grievance or arbitration, contact your Base VP
-If it is regarding union finances, contact the Secretary Treasurer
-If it is regarding the CUPE website, logins, social media, communications, elections, contact the Recording Secretary
-If it is regarding a specific committee, contact that committee (example: Uniforms, CARD, Hotels and Transportation, SRC, Education, Womens, Bylaw, Trustees, Commuters, RTW & Accommodations, OHS, Communications etc.) and be sure to CC' your Base VP
Please go to our website to contact us. www.cupe4070.ca/contact
May Elections
Election time continues!
In order for the Union to operate and to continue to work for you, we need participation and roles filled. The work the Union does for you is only possible when Members participate and help. Without it we cannot succeed in creating a better work environment for everyone.
Only Members in Good Standing are permitted to run for positions and only Members in Good Standing can vote in elections.
If you wish to become a Member in Good standing, please fill out the application here. As per the process in our By-laws section 3, final approval for becoming a Member in Good Standing is done at the next GMM. GMMs are held every May and November. The next GMM is May 17th. Please have your application in by May 16th and the initiation fee paid if it hasn't been paid already. Don't wait until the last minute!
An election email will be sent out prior to nominations opening with details on nominating and which positions are available.
The following is an outline for Elections April 2023:
Nominations Open:
May 11, 2023 at 03:00PT / 04:00MT / 06:00ET
Nominations Close:
May 18, 2023 at 14:00PT / 15:00MT / 17:00ET
Nomination Acceptance Due:
May 24, 2023 at 14:00PT / 15:00MT / 17:00ET
Resume/Info Sheet Due:
May 26, 2023 at 14:00PT / 15:00MT / 17:00ET
First Round Election Start:
May 30, 2023 at 03:00PT / 04:00MT / 06:00ET
First Round Election End:
June 5, 2023 at 15:00PT / 16:00MT / 18:00ET
Base Vice Presidents' Updates
WO -Swoop- Base Vice President -Sherrie Moore - Update - Click here
WR -WestJet Encore - Base Vice President -Adrian Dayrit - Update - Click here
WS - WestJet - Base Vice Presidents -
Brandy Whitby/Bryan Hansraj/Chris Brewer - Update - Click here
Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) Update
Please click here for an update from your Occupational Health & Safety Team. What they are doing for you and what you can do for them!
To contact OHS please :
Click here for WO
Click here for WR
Click here for WS
Galley Gossip
(Visit the Galley Gossip Wall on our website to see previous submissions and answers)
Galley Gossip: YYZ Cabin Crew will be holding reserve in YYC from now on.
Answer: The employer must follow the Collective Agreement. Reserve will be assigned by several factors, one is by base for WS CA 35-2.02. Reserve holders may be positioned to another destination as per WS CA 35-5.17 & WR CA 35-3.17 and will be provided accommodations, per-diems etc. Read these articles to find out more.
Galley Gossip: rumour...sunwing f/a's, some of which I know, are under the impression that they will be integrated into our seniority system and keep there present wages which in some cases is higher than ours... thanks
Answer: As per the recent communications, there will be no changes day one and will remain separate entities. If there comes a time that FA groups are merged, the seniority would need to be mutually agreed upon by both Unions. If nothing can be agreed upon it would go to an arbitrator to decide.
On behalf of your Local 4070 Executives:
CUPE 4070 President, Alia Hussain
CUPE 4070 Vice President, Charles Brochu
CUPE 4070 Recording Secretary, Calvin Gautschi
CUPE 4070 Secretary-Treasurer, Alex Grigoriev
Swoop Base VP, Sherrie Moore
WestJet Encore YYC Base VP, Adrian Dayrit
WestJet YEG/YVR Base VP, Chris Brewer
WestJet YYC Base VP, Brandy Whitby
WestJet YYZ Base VP, Bryan Hansraj
WS YEG BASE MOA 2023
WS YEG MOA 2023
Dear Members,
CUPE and WestJet have signed a MOA for WS YEG Base. This will add into the CA for WS YEG Base training travel pay and grooming,
You can view the MOAhere.
If you have any questions in regards to this MOA please reach out to your DPM.
On behalf of your Local 4070 Executives:
CUPE 4070 President, Alia Hussain
CUPE 4070 Vice President, Charles Brochu
CUPE 4070 Recording Secretary, Calvin Gautschi
CUPE 4070 Secretary-Treasurer, Alex Grigoriev
WestJet YEG/YVR Base VP, Chris Brewer
WestJet YYC Base VP, Brandy Whitby
WestJet YYZ Base VP, Bryan Hansraj
WestJet Encore YYC Base VP, Adrian Dayrit
WestJet Encore YYZ Base VP, Vacant
Swoop Base VP, Sherrie Moore
Election Results May 2023
Election Results May 2023
Good day Members,
Below you will find the election results. Thank you to everyone one who participated.
Please note, there was an error in the number of positions posted for WS YYC Stewards. There is only 4 positions open, though it was previously communicated there was 5.
ELECTED POSITONS:
4x WS YYC Stewards 519 (42.5%) voted;
Dan Blenkin - READ MORE 503 (19.4%)
Gavin Boutwell 458 (17.6%)
Justin Cady- READ MORE 453 (17.5%)
Kirsten Brown - READ MORE 449 (17.3%)
Lindsay Poll - READ MORE 381 (14.7%)
Elizabeth Greene 351 (13.5%)
1x WS YYZ Health and Safety Committee 228 (26.4%) voted;
Nika Porter- READ MORE 128 (56.1%)
Danielle Bernier – READ MORE 100 (43.9%)
Electoral Officer:
The Electoral Officer for this by-election will be Jael Gosselin, WestJet YYC Base Cabin Crew Member.
May 2023 election dates:
Nominations open May 11 0600ET
Nominations close May 18 1700ET
Nominations acceptance due date May 24 1700ET
Resume/Bio due date May 26 1700ET
First round voting open May 30 0600ET
First round voting close June 5 1800ET
Respectfully,
Calvin Gautschi
Recording Secretary & Returning Officer - CUPE 4070
National Day of Mourning
National Day of Mourning
Hello CUPE 4070 Members,
On April 28th of each year, the National Day of Mourning is a chance for us to remember and reflect on those that have been hurt or have died on the job. Roughly 1000 workers a year in Canada lose their lives, and we as your Heath & Safety Committee Members believe this is too high and strive everyday to prevent this number from increasing.
Our goal is to support our Members with increased awareness, better legislation, and the resources necessary to keep us safe.
The Role of Health and Safety Committees
Employers across Canada must provide a healthy and safe workplace. Employers are legally obligated to collaborate with workers on health and safety committees to highlight issues and find safe solutions.
Health and safety committees are where we explore solutions to workplace health and safety issues and make recommendations to employers. Our voices are important. We know the day-to-day realities of our work, beyond what’s written in employer policies. We have rights – we need to use them.
Let’s build capacity, document workplace hazards, keep careful records, and demand that workers be protected from hazards we can’t remove. It’s not enough to acknowledge danger, it must be addressed. When an employer fails to uphold their duty of care, we must take the next steps with government inspectors.
Brief history on National Day of Mourning
In 1984, the Canadian Labour Congress established April 28th as the National Day of Mourning in Canada to remember and honour those who have died, been injured or suffered illness in the workplace.
The date was chosen in 1984, when the Canadian Labour Congress proclaimed the Day to coincide with the 70th anniversary of the day the first Ontario Worker's Compensation Act was approved by the government (1914).
The Day of Mourning was enshrined in national legislation by an Act of Parliament on February 1, 1991.
The Day of Mourning, also known as Workers' Memorial Day, is officially recognized in about 100 countries worldwide.
For more information on National day of mourning please visit https://cupe.ca/ event/workers-day-mourning .
Your CUPE 4070 Health & Safety Committee,
WestJet - ws.ohs@cupe4070.ca
WestJet Encore - wr.ohs@cupe4070.ca
Swoop - wo.ohs@cupe4070.c
On behalf of your Local 4070 Executives:
CUPE 4070 President, Alia Hussain
CUPE 4070 Vice President, Charles Brochu
CUPE 4070 Recording Secretary, Calvin Gautschi
CUPE 4070 Secretary-Treasurer, Alex Grigoriev
Swoop Base VP, Sherrie Moore
WestJet Encore YYC Base VP, Adrian Dayrit
WestJet YEG/YVR Base VP, Chris Brewer
WestJet YYC Base VP, Brandy Whitby
WestJet YYZ Base VP, Bryan Hansraj
Sunwing Acquisition Update
Sunwing Acquisition Update
Dear CUPE 4070 Members,
Today, a communication from the Employer was released regarding the acquisition of Sunwing. We would like to clarify CUPE's involvement in the process thus far.
As your Union Representatives, we want to make it clear that CUPE has not yet been engaged by the Company in any discussions regarding the Sunwing acquisition to date. We are disappointed that the Employer did not have the courtesy of sending this communication directly to the Union -rather we found out from our Membership emailing in concerns.
We want to assure you that CUPE will continue to act in the best interests of our Members and uphold our commitment to honest and open communication. Once we have more information, we will release it to the Membership.
It is the Unions position that we expect to work collaboratively with the Employer integrating Sunwing into the WestJet Group of Companies.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to reach out to your CUPE Representatives. We will keep you informed as the situation develops.
On behalf of your Local 4070 Executives:
CUPE 4070 President, Alia Hussain
CUPE 4070 Vice President, Charles Brochu
CUPE 4070 Recording Secretary, Calvin Gautschi
CUPE 4070 Secretary-Treasurer, Alex Grigoriev
Swoop Base VP, Sherrie Moore
WestJet Encore YYC Base VP, Adrian Dayrit
WestJet YEG/YVR Base VP, Chris Brewer
WestJet YYC Base VP, Brandy Whitby
WestJet YYZ Base VP, Bryan Hansraj
Airline Division Thanks You
Airline Division Thanks You
Dear Members,
On behalf of Local 4070 Executive, we would like to take a moment and thank YOU, our Membership, for the incredible support for the Airline Division of CUPE’s #unpaidworkwontfly campaign. It was truly inspiring to see fellow Flight Attendants/Cabin Crew Members join shoulder to shoulder with us across Canada to raise awareness for this very important issue.
There were hundreds of Flight Attendants/Cabin Crew from all different airlines within Canada who joined at the bases to kick off this monumental and historic campaign. The turnout was amazing and the support from those who had to work or had other commitments but still showed up on social media was incredibly moving.
Every journey starts with a single step, and each respective airline will be on its own journey to bargaining. What this campaign aims to do is provide a consistent and clear message that we, as a profession, stand united on the issue of UNPAID WORK. We will stand with one another in solidarity on this issue that affects us all.
As the campaign grows, we will grow in numbers as well. We will continue in the need to educate the public and the government on this initiative of free work. You will see more from the Airline Division soon.
Please continue to use #unpaidworkwontfly in your social media. You can use the social media pictures on the home page of www.CUPE4070.ca on your social media to bring awareness to the public.
Pictures from the event can be viewed here.
Thank you again for all YOU did in making this day a HUGE success!
#UNPAIDWORKWONTFLY
Revised: Elections April 2023 - Voting Package and Update
Revised: Elections April 2023 - Voting Package and Update
Dear Members,
***The Union has been informed there was a technical glitch, and that an acceptance that was sent was never received on our end. It was been investigated and has been deemed valid, it was verified that it was sent before the deadline and to the correct email address.
Due to this, there will now be a vote for WS YYC Stewards, as there is only 5 open positions available and 6 candidates now.
We are sorry for this inconvenience, it was outside of our control, and we understand the frustration it will cause. ***
Below is the information for voting and acclaimed positions that do not require a vote. The voting link will be sent out April 25th.
There will be another election in May due to Grievance Committee elections and WS YEG base opening with the requirement for WS YEG OHS roles, as a result all vacant position will run again at that time.
ELECTION REQUIRED:
1x WS YYZ Health and Safety
Danielle Bernier – READ MORE
Nika Porter- READ MORE
5x WS YYC Union Stewards
Lindsay Poll - READ MORE
Gavin Boutwell
Justin Cady- READ MORE
Dan Blenkin - READ MORE
Elizabeth Greene
Kirsten Brown - READ MORE
ACCLAIMED POSITONS – ELECTION NOT REQUIRED:
1x WR YYZ Base VP-Vacant
1x WO Communications Committee -Vacant
1x WS YVR Communications Committee -Vacant
1x WS YYZ Communications Committee-Vacant
1x WO Education Committee -Vacant
1x WR Education Committee -Vacant
1x WR Women's Committee -Vacant
1x WS Women's Committee -Vacant
1x WO Committee Against Racism and Discrimination (CARD)-Vacant
1x WR Committee Against Racism and Discrimination (CARD)-Vacant
1x WS Committee Against Racism and Discrimination (CARD)-Lindsay Poll- READ MORE
2x WR YYC Health and Safety
Ice Garcia
Christine Kim
2x WR YYZ Health and Safety-Vacant
1x WS YVR Health and Safety-Vacant
1x WR Hotel & Transportation Committee-Vacant
1x WO Uniform Committee-Vacant
1x WR Uniform Committee-Vacant
1x WS YVR Uniform Committee-Vacant
1x WS YYC Uniform Committee-Kendra Thibault- READ MORE
1x WS YYZ Uniform Committee-Vacant
1x WR YYC Scheduling Review Committee-Vacant
1x WR YYZ Scheduling Review Committee-Vacant
1x WR Return to Work Accommodations Committee-Vacant
1x WS YYC Commuter Committee-Vacant
1x WO Bylaw Review Committee-Vacant
1x WR YYC Bylaw Review Committee-Vacant
1x WR YYZ Bylaw Review Committee-Vacant
1x WS YVR Bylaw Review Committee-Vacant
1x WS YYZ Bylaw Review Committee-Vacant
2x WO YEG Stewards-Vacant
1x WO YHM/YYZ Stewards-Vacant
8x WR YYC Stewards
Ice Garcia
7x Vacant
10x WR YYZ Stewards-Vacant
8x WS YVR Union Stewards
Sonja Bergen- READ MORE
Conan Huang
Caleb Donszelmann
5x Vacant
9x WS YYZ Union Stewards
Mauricio Mejia
Shantel Gailing - READ MORE
7x Vacant
Voting is open to Members in Good Standing only.
NOTE: Some votes are open to all Members in Good Standing, others are unit specific or unit and base specific Members in Good Standing.
If you wish to become a Member in Good Standing, please sign a card and pay the $5 Membership fee (if you haven't already), this will begin the process and is completed as the next General Membership Meeting (GMM). 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 find the link, please email vote@cupe4070.ca
Please include your full name, airline unit and employee number in the email.
First Round Election Start:
April 25, 2023 at 03:00PT / 04:00MT / 06:00ET
First Round Election End:
May 1, 2023 at 15:00PT / 16:00MT / 18:00ET
Electoral Officer:
The Electoral Officer for this by-election will be Jael Gosselin, WestJet YYC Base Cabin Crew Member.
Respectfully,
Calvin Gautschi
Recording Secretary & Returning Officer - CUPE 4070
Elections April 2023-Voting Package and Update
Elections April 2023 - Voting Package and Update
Good day Members,
Below is the information for voting and acclaimed positions that do not require a vote. The voting link will be sent out April 25th.
There will be another election in May due to Grievance Committee elections and WS YEG base opening with the requirement for WS YEG OHS roles, as a result all vacant position will run again at that time.
ELECTION REQUIRED:
1x WS YYZ Health and Safety
Danielle Bernier – READ MORE
Nika Porter- READ MORE
ACCLAIMED POSITONS – ELECTION NOT REQUIRED:
1x WR YYZ Base VP-Vacant
1x WO Communications Committee -Vacant
1x WS YVR Communications Committee -Vacant
1x WS YYZ Communications Committee-Vacant
1x WO Education Committee -Vacant
1x WR Education Committee -Vacant
1x WR Women's Committee -Vacant
1x WS Women's Committee -Vacant
1x WO Committee Against Racism and Discrimination (CARD)-Vacant
1x WR Committee Against Racism and Discrimination (CARD)-Vacant
1x WS Committee Against Racism and Discrimination (CARD)-Lindsay Poll- READ MORE
2x WR YYC Health and Safety
Ice Garcia
Christine Kim
2x WR YYZ Health and Safety-Vacant
1x WS YVR Health and Safety-Vacant
1x WR Hotel & Transportation Committee-Vacant
1x WO Uniform Committee-Vacant
1x WR Uniform Committee-Vacant
1x WS YVR Uniform Committee-Vacant
1x WS YYC Uniform Committee-Kendra Thibault- READ MORE
1x WS YYZ Uniform Committee-Vacant
1x WR YYC Scheduling Review Committee-Vacant
1x WR YYZ Scheduling Review Committee-Vacant
1x WR Return to Work Accommodations Committee-Vacant
1x WS YYC Commuter Committee-Vacant
1x WO Bylaw Review Committee-Vacant
1x WR YYC Bylaw Review Committee-Vacant
1x WR YYZ Bylaw Review Committee-Vacant
1x WS YVR Bylaw Review Committee-Vacant
1x WS YYZ Bylaw Review Committee-Vacant
2x WO YEG Stewards-Vacant
1x WO YHM/YYZ Stewards-Vacant
8x WR YYC Stewards
Ice Garcia
7x Vacant
10x WR YYZ Stewards-Vacant
8x WS YVR Union Stewards
Sonja Bergen- READ MORE
Conan Huang
Caleb Donszelmann
5x Vacant
5x WS YYC Union Stewards
Lindsay Poll - READ MORE
Gavin Boutwell
Justin Cady- READ MORE
Dan Blenkin - READ MORE
Elizabeth Greene
9x WS YYZ Union Stewards
Mauricio Mejia
Shantel Gailing - READ MORE
7x Vacant
Voting is open to Members in Good Standing only.
NOTE: Some votes are open to all Members in Good Standing, others are unit specific or unit and base specific Members in Good Standing.
If you wish to become a Member in Good Standing, please sign a card and pay the $5 Membership fee (if you haven't already), this will begin the process and is completed as the next General Membership Meeting (GMM). 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 find the link, please email vote@cupe4070.ca
Please include your full name, airline unit and employee number in the email.
First Round Election Start:
April 25, 2023 at 03:00PT / 04:00MT / 06:00ET
First Round Election End:
May 1, 2023 at 15:00PT / 16:00MT / 18:00ET
Electoral Officer:
The Electoral Officer for this by-election will be Jael Gosselin, WestJet YYC Base Cabin Crew Member.
Respectfully,
Calvin Gautschi
Recording Secretary & Returning Officer - CUPE 4070
Welcome WS YEG Base
Welcome WS YEG Base
Welcome WS YEG Base!
The entire CUPE 4070 Executive team wanted to welcome you all to WestJet’s newest base: Edmonton. Our newest base is starting with 93 Cabin Crew Members.
There will be 2 WS YEG OHS Committee positions open. The election process for this will start in May 2023. We encourage you to participate so that you have your YEG voices represented in OHS.
Your Base VP is Chris Brewer. You can contact him here or on the contact page of our website here
ALPA Strike Authorization Vote Outcome
Dear Members,
Today, the Union met with ALPA and was made aware of the results of the strike authorization vote. ALPA shared that the pilots voted overwhelmingly In Favour.
Supporting other labour groups that we work with and supporting their bargaining rights strengthens all worker's rights in the workplace. Expressing solidarity in the workplace demonstrates to the Employer that all workers deserve a fair agreement, and that allworkers are to be valued, recognized, and heard.
CUPE stands In Unity with ALPA, and we support their fight to obtain fair compensation, strong scope language, and better work/life balance
In Solidarity,
Your CUPE 4070 Executive Team
CUPE 4070 President, Alia Hussain
CUPE 4070 Vice-President, Charles Brochu
CUPE 4070 Secretary-Treasurer, Alex Grigoriev
CUPE 4070 Recording Secretary, Calvin Gautschi
WestJet YVR Base VP, Chris Brewer
WestJet YYC Base VP, Brandy Whitby
WestJet YYZ Base VP, Bryan Hansraj
WestJet Encore YYC Base VP, Adrian Dayrit
WestJet Encore YYZ Base VP, Vacant
Swoop Base VP, Sherrie Moore
Right to Refuse Dangerous Work
Right to Refuse Dangerous Work
Good day CUPE 4070,
Your Occupational Health and Safety committee would like to remind all CCMs of their workers’ rights and share some knowledge about the process and steps that take place once the right to refuse dangerous work is invoked.
The right to refuse unsafe work is one of the three basic health and safety rights achieved by the labour movement, along with the right to know about the hazards in your workplace, and the right to participate in workplace health and safety decisions.
Any employee subject to Part II of the Code has the right to refuse dangerous work as long as they have reasonable cause to believe that it presents a danger.
The definition of danger reads as follows: "any hazard, condition or activity that could reasonably be expected to be an imminent or serious threat to the life or health of a person exposed to it before the hazard or condition can be corrected or the activity altered."
Specifically, the Code states that an employee may refuse in the following circumstances:
• to use or operate a machine that constitutes a danger to the employee or to another employee
• to work in a place
• to perform an activity that constitutes a danger to the employee or to another employee
As a worker in the federal sector you have the legal right to refuse unsafe work, according to Section 128 in Part II of the Canada Labour Code, when there are reasonable grounds to believe performing an activity is dangerous to you or another person’s health and safety. Exceptions exist for workers on ships and aircraft in operation, according to section 128(3-5) of the code.
Here’s how you can refuse unsafe work:
Notify your employer at the worksite that you are refusing work because you don’t think it is safe, and state your reason for refusal.
Your employer must take action to protect you, and notify the workplace committee of the issue and the action taken to resolve it.
If you are not satisfied with the remedy, continue to refuse work and report the circumstances to your workplace committee representative.
The employer must immediately investigate the matter with you and a member of the workplace committee.
If the matter is still not resolved, a government health and safety officer must be contacted. The officer must investigate with you, your employer, and a worker member of the workplace committee or representative. The officer must notify you of any recommendations in writing.
If the inspector rules that there is no danger, then you cannot legally refuse the work even, if you are not satisfied with the officer’s decision. You do have ten days after receiving the decision to appeal in writing to an appeals officer.
You cannot be dismissed, suspended, or penalized for complying with the legislation, according to the section 147 of the code.
These circumstances could include but are not limited to; operating in areas of political unrest placing an individual in direct danger, extreme cabin temperatures causing a workplace to be unsafe, using equipment that is not properly maintained causing serious threat to life or health. A critical point we want to note is that verbiage must be explicit and clear when invoking these rights (“I am exercising my right to refuse dangerous work”)
We encourage all members to learn more about their rights, when and how they are applicable and how to use them. We’ve attached some educational links and are available if ever a concern or question arises. Fly Safe!
You can find out more about the Right To Refuse here:
https://cupe.ca/refusing-unsafe-work-its-your-right
Canada Labour Code 128(3-5)
https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/L-2/section-128.html
In Solidarity, Your CUPE 4070 Executive and Occupational Health & Safety Committee
Unpaid Work Won’t Fly
A MESSAGE FROM YOUR AIRLINE DIVISION
COUNCIL OF PRESIDENTS
UN MESSAGE DE VOTRE DIVISION AÉRIENNE
CONSEIL DES PRÉSIDENTS
Canada’s flight attendants tell airlines “unpaid work won’t fly”, launch campaign tackling unpaid work
Dear Members,
Flight attendants represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) have launched the “Unpaid Work Won’t Fly” campaign, a national effort to end the widespread abuse of unpaid work in the airline sector that sees the average flight attendant in Canada work 35 hours every month for free.
“Much of the Canadian public has no idea that when flight attendants are doing their pre-flight safety checks, or assisting passengers with boarding, or helping passengers when their plane is delayed at the gate after a long journey, that the flight attendant isn’t even being paid,” said Wesley Lesosky, a flight attendant with CUPE 4094 and president of CUPE’s Airline Division. “It’s a dirty secret in this industry and one that we’re determined to expose and end for good.”
“If we’re at work, in uniform, doing our jobs and taking responsibility for our passengers, we should be getting paid – simple as that,” Lesosky added.
The campaign will aim to raise awareness about the situation facing flight attendants – who are responsible for keeping the flying public safe and comfortable on the ground and at 30,000 feet – and will culminate in a National Day of Action to End Unpaid Work on April 25, with events in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, and Montreal.
Visit UnpaidWorkWontFly.ca for more information about the campaign, events, and the work that flight attendants do every day.
Quick facts
In December 2022-January 2023, CUPE surveyed its airline sector membership about the issue of unpaid work, receiving responses from over 9,500 of its members. The survey found that:
Flight attendants work an average of 34.86 hours unpaid per month. That’s almost a full week every month.
Flight attendants are not paid for boarding, which can take up to an hour.
Flight attendants are not paid for their pre-flight prep and safety checks.
99.5% of flight attendants aren’t paid when they’re checking in through security, even though they’re at work in uniform.
98.6% of flight attendants aren’t paid while passengers deplane after a flight, even though they are still assisting passengers disembark.
75% of flight attendants are only paid a partial wage for mandatory regulatory training, even though airlines and the federal government require several training days per year.
98.4% of flight attendants are not paid when the plane is being held at the gate after landing, even though they are still assisting passengers, often in elevated temperatures.
CUPE is Canada’s flight attendant union, representing approximately 18,500 flight attendants at ten airlines nationwide, including Air Canada, WestJet, Air Transat, Sunwing, Calm Air, PAL Airlines, Flair Airlines, Canadian North, PasCan, and Pivot Airlines.
In solidarity,
Your Airline Division Council of Presidents
Les agent(e)s de bord du Canada lancent une campagne pour dire aux compagnies aériennes que « le travail non payé, c’est du vol »
Chers membres,
Les agent(e)s de bord représentés par le Syndicat canadien de la fonction publique (SCFP) viennent de lancer une campagne intitulée « Le travail non payé, c’est du vol », un effort national pour mettre fin au recours abusif et généralisé au travail non payé dans le secteur canadien du transport aérien, où une personne travaille en moyenne 35 heures par mois gratuitement.
« La très grande majorité des gens ne savent pas que les agent(e)s de bord ne sont pas payés pendant qu’ils effectuent les contrôles de sécurité avant le vol, pendant qu’ils assistent les passagères et passagers à l’embarquement ou même pendant qu’ils les aident lorsque l’avion est retardé au débarquement après un long voyage », explique Wesley Lesosky, agent de bord membre du SCFP 4094 et président de la Division du transport aérien du SCFP. « C’est un secret honteux dans cette industrie et nous sommes déterminés à le dévoiler au grand jour pour y mettre fin une fois pour toutes. »
« Si nous sommes au travail, en uniforme, à assumer la responsabilité de la sécurité et du bien-être des passagères et passagers, nous devrions être payés, point final », ajoute-t-il.
La campagne vise à sensibiliser le public à la situation des agent(e)s de bord qui assurent la sécurité et le confort du public, au sol comme à 8 000 mètres d’altitude. Elle culminera en une Journée nationale d’action pour mettre fin au travail non payé le 25 avril, avec des événements prévus à Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto et Montréal.
Visitez Travailnonpaye.ca pour vous informer sur la campagne, les événements et le travail que les agent(e)s de bord effectuent au quotidien.
Quelques faits
De décembre 2022 à janvier 2023, le SCFP a sondé ses membres du secteur aérien sur la question du travail non payé. Il a reçu plus de 9 500 réponses.
Les agent(e)s de bord travaillent en moyenne 34,86 heures non payées par mois. C’est presque une semaine complète, chaque mois.
Les agent(e)s de bord ne sont pas payés pour l’embarquement, qui peut prendre jusqu’à une heure.
Les agent(e)s de bord ne sont pas payés pour les préparatifs et les contrôles de sécurité avant le vol.
99,5 % des agent(e)s de bord ne sont pas payés lorsqu’ils passent la sécurité, même s’ils sont au travail et en uniforme.
98,6 % des agent(e)s de bord ne sont pas payés pendant le débarquement des passagères et passagers après l’atterrissage, même s’ils doivent les aider.
75 % des agent(e)s de bord ne sont payés qu’une fraction de leur salaire pour suivre la formation réglementaire obligatoire, même si les compagnies aériennes et le gouvernement fédéral exigent plusieurs jours de formation par année.
98,4 % des agent(e)s de bord ne sont pas payés lorsque l’avion est retenu à la porte après l’atterrissage, même s’ils assistent toujours les passagers et passagères, souvent alors qu’il fait très chaud dans l’avion.
Le SCFP est le syndicat des agent(e)s de bord du Canada. Il en représente environ 18 500 dans dix compagnies aériennes : Air Canada, WestJet, Air Transat, Sunwing, Calm Air, PAL Airlines, Flair Airlines, Canadian North, PasCan et Pivot Airlines.
Solidairement,
Votre division aérienne conseil des présidents
By-Elections April 2023
By-Elections April 2023
Good day Members,
It is time again for another election.
Elections occur as per the bylaws. Vacant roles can occur for a many reasons, such as flowing from one Unit to another, moving bases (if it is base specific role) or from being unfilled in previous elections etc.
The following is an outline for Elections April 2023:
Nominations Open:
April 6, 2023 at 03:00PT / 04:00MT / 06:00ET
Nominations Close:
April 13, 2023 at 14:00PT / 15:00MT / 17:00ET
Nomination Acceptance Due:
April 19, 2023 at 14:00PT / 15:00MT / 17:00ET
Resume/Info Sheet Due:
April 21, 2023 at 14:00PT / 15:00MT / 17:00ET
First Round Election Start:
April 25, 2023 at 03:00PT / 04:00MT / 06:00ET
First Round Election End:
May 1, 2023 at 15:00PT / 16:00MT / 18:00ET
Following the completion of the above election, there will be a Grievance Committee election. Details will be emailed out once the first election is concluded.
Only Members in Good Standing can be nominated and can participate in the voting process. In order to do so, please sign a card and pay the $5 Membership fee (if you haven't already) in order to begin that process, click here: SIGN A CARD. The process is completed at the next GMM which occurs every May and November.
Notes
The nominator must discuss the nomination with the nominee and both must be Members In Good Standing.
Unit and base specific positions require the nominee and the nominator to be from the same base and unit.
Unit specific positions require the nominee and the nominator to be from the same unit.
Only one nomination form is required per nominee for the same position.
DO NOT submit multiple nominations for the same person and the same role.
You cannot nominate yourself.
Click here to review all positions open for nominations.
For more information regarding the roles and expectations, please consult the bylaws.
To fill out nomination forms please: click here
All nomination forms that have been submitted receive an automatic reply right a ways. If you did not receive an automatic reply, please check your junk folder. Submit again if you did not get an automatic reply. Email inquiries to: nominations@cupe4070.ca
Nomination Acceptance
All Members who have been nominated will be sent an email asking if they will allow their name to stand on the ballot and to accept the nomination.
If you have been nominated for a position, please monitor your email including your spam/junk folders 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 to view.
Nominees must send their resume/info sheet in PDF format only to: nominations@cupe4070.ca
You can start creating your resume/information sheet ASAP.
Please do not
Submit large file resume/info sheets (under 1,000kb)
Use company logos
Provide any information you don’t want public
Electoral Officer:
The Electoral Officer for this by-election will be Jael Gosselin, WestJet YYC Base Cabin Crew Member.
Respectfully,
Calvin Gautschi
Recording Secretary & Returning Officer - CUPE 4070