Dear Members 

We are writing to share a significant update regarding the recent decision from the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) concerning the bargaining structure for Pilots following the acquisition of Sunwing Airlines Inc. by WestJet, an Alberta Partnership.   

The CIRB has determined the following key points: 

• The Board is satisfied that, as a result of the acquisition of Sunwing Airlines Inc. (Sunwing) by WestJet, an Alberta Partnership (WestJet), the bargaining structure for pilots needs to be reviewed 

• The Board declares that one consolidated unit of all pilots is appropriate for collective bargaining; 

• The Board is of the view that there are no compelling reasons in the case to order a representation vote to determine which bargaining agent will represent the consolidated unit of pilots; 

• The Board has determined that, given it represents a large majority of pilots in the consolidated bargaining unit, Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) will be the bargaining agent that will ultimately be certified to represent the pilots in that unit; 

• The Board, however, is not prepared to issue a certification order recognizing ALPA as the bargaining agent for a consolidated unit, as it requires clarity on certain issues emanating from the integration of the two bargaining units.  

As a result, the CIRB has directed the parties to provide submissions on the following matters: 

• The terms and conditions of employment for members represented by Unifor during the integration process until November 30, 2024. 

• The method, factors, and parameters for determining the integration of pilots' seniority into a consolidated list. 

• The impact of these integration issues on the timeline for issuing the certification order. 

• Submissions on the appropriate bargaining unit description to be included in the certification order when issued. 

Rest assured, we are actively monitoring the situation and will provide updates as they become available.  We would like to join ALPA WS in welcoming Unifor Pilots.  

We will be releasing an update on Merger matters currently impacting the Local in the coming week. 

Thank you for your attention to this matter. 

Your CUPE 4070 Executive Team
CUPE 4070 President, Alia Hussain
CUPE 4070 Vice-President, Tyson Conrod
CUPE 4070 Secretary-Treasurer, Alex Grigoriev
CUPE 4070 Recording Secretary, Calvin Gautschi
WestJet YEG/YVR Base VP, Chris Brewer
WestJet YYC Interim Base VP, Lisa Blayney
WestJet YYZ Base VP, Bryan Hansraj
WestJet Encore YYZ Base VP, Marcus Johnston-McKinney