November 2023 Newsletter

Topics in this Newsletter:
Bargaining is Coming
Fatigue
Flu Season is Here!
Member in Good Standing 
Benefits
Breaking Barriers: CUPE's Human Rights History
Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Social Media
Per Diems, Dropping Shifts or Picking Up?
Save the Dates
Galley Gossip

Called for a meeting with your Leader/Manager? Click here to contact your CUPE Base Vice President

Bargaining is Coming
 

Bargaining is coming sooner than later!  Did you know WR’s Collective Agreement expires in only 1003 days and WS’s Collective Agreement expires in only 791 days. 
Things begin, up to one year in advance of the expiry of a Collective Agreement.  This involves things such as surveys, data compilation, bargaining committee set up, meetings and then finally the actual bargaining.
Please keep track of items that you want bargained, so that when the bargaining survey is sent out it will be quick and easy for you to fill out with what you want.  It is by your feedback which drives the direction of the bargaining committee.

Fatigue
 

Fatigue is a constant in our industry.  From schedules, time zones, overnight shifts, flips and sleep interruptions.  Any time you receive your schedule please review it for anything that could be fatiguing and proactively report it as per the fatigue process.
If you encounter fatigue while working, please ensure to be safe, do not work and follow the fatigue process.  Fatigue reporting brings about scheduling changes, and keeps the Employer aware of what is not working. 
Things can look great on paper while following the Collective Agreement rules, though it does not mean that it may not be fatiguing.
Our winter season is soon to begin, please take care of yourself during this extremely busy time of the year.

Flu Season is Here!

Winter has started, and with it also comes flu season.  If you are sick, please take care of yourself and do not come to work.  STAY HOME!
Take care of your fellow Crew Members by not coming to work sick.  Please familiarize yourself with the sick procedures and do not feel afraid to use sick days if you are not well.  If you encounter any issues please contact your Base Vice-President here.   

Member in Good Standing

Everyone of you is a Member of CUPE 4070, paying dues. 

A Member in Good Standing though means you have completed an application process and then have rights to run in elections at CUPE 4070 and to vote in them and to vote on other things as well.  The application process is filling out the form here, ensuring your initiation fee is paid (ask here if unsure) and then at the next GMM, the final approval, if no one opposes.   
 

We have a GMM coming up on November 8th, please have all the steps completed no later than November 6th in order to have time to be processed during the November 8th GMM. 
 

We have elections coming up and to vote or run in them, this must be completed.  The next opportunity after November 8th will be in May 2024. 

Benefits

Use your benefits, they are part of your employment package/compensation.  Depending on what you chose, you could be eligible for compression stockings, deep depth footwear (basically footwear you can put insoles in), orthopedic footwear (these can be from runners to dress shoes), massage, acupuncture, chiropractic, therapy, counselling, chiropodist etc.  Ask your co-workers what they have been using and also contact the insurance provider to see what is covered under your chosen benefits package.  

Breaking Barriers: CUPE’s Human Rights History
 

CUPE has a proud history of championing human rights in our Union, our Workplaces and our Communities. Through the human rights history project, we’ve traced our role in key human rights struggles over the years, in Canada and internationally. 

This digital timeline describes nearly 275 events since CUPE was founded in 1963. The stories touch on bargaining, political action, organizing, education and other areas of activism. 
Please scroll through the timeline here.

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Social Media 

Please keep in mind Management and friends are on social media too.  There is frequent reports and meetings with Members and the Company because of posts of certain natures.  Please be familiar with the Company's policies and remember if you wouldn’t want management to read or see something, then do not post it on social media.  As most likely they will see it or be sent it, even on closed group pages.  
 

Side note, if you want to contact CUPE 4070, please use the only official contact method via the website, www.cupe4070.ca/contact do not use social media, as those messages are not monitored.

Per Diems, Lead Lump Sum, Dropping Shifts or Picking up? 

Always keep track of and on each pay period double check that everything is correct, and that you get what is owed to you.  The thought of perfection in our pay is a wonderful idea, though we do not live in a perfect world.  Errors will happen.  Each Member should be verifying, as errors are not uncommon.

Save the Dates
All events can be found under "Events" after you log into the website

General Membership Meeting (GMM) 
November 8, 2023 1100PT/1200MT/1400ET - Sign Up Here
Open only to Members in Good Standing or to those who have completed the application process. 

When you sign into the meeting the day of, please ensure your first and last name, and your employee number is showing.  Otherwise you cannot be verified and will be denied entry into the meeting.  

**DO NOT USE YOUR WORK EMAIL ADDRESS**

Galley Gossip

(Visit the Galley Gossip Wall on our website to see previous submissions and answers)
 

Galley Gossip: A lot on FAs on probation are worried they’re going to be let go first under the probation first before the merge.

Answer: When on probation, the Employer is assessing for suitability and viability of the employment relationship. The Union has seen probationary extensions and terminations issued by the Employer citing high sick time, missed reserve calls, consumption of Buy On Board items, and “overall reliability.”
 
If you are on probation and have questions about utilizing personal leave or sick leave, please reach out to your Base VP. If your DPM calls you for a meeting, contact your Base VP immediately for Union Representation to attend your meeting with you.