CUPE 4070 Statement Regarding Ed Sims’ Message
Dear Members,
By now you have likely had a chance to read the e-mail message from our CEO, Ed Sims. Before releasing his message, WestJet Executive Leadership held a conference call with the leaders of the Unions and Employee Associations to provide information on the mounting economic pressure caused by the COVID-19 situation being placed on air carriers across the world, including ours.
The economic fallout from the rapidly unfolding worldwide medical emergency is real. It has already caused forward bookings to be significantly reduced, and our guests are also beginning to cancel existing bookings. These factors combined place significant strain on our Company’s financial health.
In order to protect our business and our operation as Ed mentioned there will be capacity reductions. In turn, a reduction of capacity by up to 12 percent means a similar reduction in block flying hours.
All efforts will be made to exercise voluntary mechanisms such as leaves of absence, early retirement, etc. to achieve the necessary reductions in staffing. The Union pledges to work cooperatively with our Employer as this is rolled out and administered in the coming weeks. Your Union’s role in scenarios like this is to avoid involuntary job reductions as it’s top priority.
As a workgroup, we have been through global events which have rocked our industry before. What we face now as over 4,000 aviation professionals, we have faced before in smaller numbers. The challenge before us is not dissimilar to the aftermath of 9/11, or the SARS outbreak. We will prevail, and we will do so because that is who we are.
Your CUPE 4070 Executive remains steadfast in its duty to protect your careers. We will continue to advocate for our collective interests which includes supporting our Employer’s prudent measures to ensure the longevity of our Airlines.
As further information becomes available, we will continue to communicate directly with you, our Membership.
In Solidarity,
Your CUPE 4070 Executive Team