HAPPY HOLIDAYS 2023
'TIS THE SEASON TO SPREAD CHEER!
As we gear up for the festive season, let's make sure to prioritize safety and well-being just as we prepare for the bustling days ahead and the unpredictable weather. Remember to take those well-deserved breaks, and if you are ever asked to skip a lunch, remember that you have the right to decline and stick to your scheduled downtime. In the gate functions on your PDA, upon acknowledging your lunch, the Deployment/Streamline team is required to reach out to you to inquire about your willingness to delay or move your lunch. Reference Article 6.02.04 Note 2 for more details; you must be presented with available options before moving your lunch accordingly.
Additionally, please note that breaks for Full-Time employees must not be scheduled in the first or last 60 minutes of your shift, and for Part-Time employees, the restriction is within the first or last 45 minutes.
This reminder goes out to all our fantastic members across Central Region—Airports, CJM, and Reservations. Happy holidays!
REACH OUT ANYTIME: 988 SUICIDE PREVENTION
Help is just a call or text away! 📞📱 The 988 Suicide Prevention hotline is now available 24/7, 365 days a year, offering support across Canada. Whether you prefer to call or text, assistance is at your fingertips. Click on this link for more details: https://988.ca/get-help/what-to-expect .
Remember, you're not alone—reach out when you need to.
ARBITRATION UPDATE
Our Bargaining Committee was actively engaged in two significant arbitrations this fall. The first revolves around CJM-related scope work, while the second tackles habitual reassignments from BID lines at airports. Although specific details remain confidential due to the ongoing process, we're thrilled to share that both arbitrations are in full swing, with multiple dates scheduled well into the next year. While the arbitration journey may be lengthy, it's a fair and crucial avenue for resolving disagreements between the company and the Union. Stay tuned for more updates as we navigate this process together.
Better working conditions equals better travel conditions.
In an editorial, Lana Payne, Unifor National President, emphasizes the challenges and systemic issues within the aviation industry, particularly during the holiday travel season. Lana highlights the government's response to past travel disruptions and urges collaboration between the federal government, airports, and airlines to address underlying problems. The piece underscores the need for improvements in working conditions, fair pay, and adequate staffing to enhance the overall travel experience for both workers and passengers. Lana introduces Unifor's Air Transportation Workers' Charter of Rights, which outlines essential rights to be met for a better working environment. The editorial calls for a re-evaluation of the industry's treatment of workers, emphasizing that improved working conditions are integral to resolving travel-related issues.
To read Lana’s full editorial:
https://www.unifor.org/news/all-news/better-working-conditions-equals-better-travel-conditions
To Read Unifor’s Air Transportation Workers’ Charter of Rights and Freedoms:
https://www.unifor.org/airtransportcharter
Unifor aviation members rally in Toronto on Day of Action for better working conditions.
On December 18, 2023, Unifor aviation members staged a demonstration at Pearson International Airport, shedding light on poor working conditions contributing to holiday travel disruptions. Lana Payne, Unifor National President, called for a comprehensive plan to address issues like contract flipping. The union introduced the Air Transportation Workers' Charter of Rights, emphasizing nine essential rights for the government to address, ensuring compliance with Air Passenger Protection Regulations. The initiative advocates for fair pay, scheduling, and improved working conditions, urging public support through a petition to the prime minister and federal transport minister. Unifor, Canada's largest private-sector union, represents 16,000 members in the aviation sector, advocating for workers' rights.
For full details:
Harold is the Central Region Representative on the Bargaining Committee.