Dear WestJet Members, 

The Union has been working with the Company since Friday January 28, 2022, to evaluate and resolve the many complexities of a workplace recovery plan. These discussions covered agreements on out-of-base recalls, potential vacancy bids and Leaves of Absence, how these pieces all fit, and the timing required for each process. 

As you can imagine, there have been many unique situations to contemplate and challenges to overcome since March 2020. Each of these situations, and challenges, required many hours of internal discussion between the Union and the Company. The Union is very grateful that energy can now be focused on full-recovery. We are delighted that we will soon have all our Members back on the line. 

Crystal Hill, CUPE 4070 Interim President, and Brigitte Benoit, CUPE 4070 Interim Vice-President, in consultation with the CUPE 4070 Executive and CUPE National Representatives, have been in close discussions with the Company regarding vacancy bids. The discussions surrounding vacancy bids have been ongoing since Tuesday, February 8, 2022. 

The Union is elated that Full-Time vacancies in YVR, YYC and YYZ bases are being offered. Due to the current constraints of completing recall, flow and initial training, all vacancy bids placed by Members will be awarded, as a one-time exception. Future bids will advise of anticipated vacancies based on operational requirements.

For Members in YYC who are still on inactive status and unable to participate in this vacancy bid, the Union worked with the Company to offer out-of-base recall to address the timing of the first vacancy bid and Members inability to participate.

Effective date 

Awarded bids for YVR and YYZ will take effect for the April 1, 2022 blocking month. Awarded bids for YYC will take effect for May 1, 2022 blocking month 

Bid selection 

As per Article 24-2 Vacancy Bid, you may only bid for one vacancy. You will be able to update, change or remove your bid until bidding closes on Sunday February 20, 2022 at 23:59MT. To remove or cancel your bid, please email inflightcommunications@westjet.com prior to the identified closing date. 

- Only place a bid for what you absolutely want; all bids are binding. 
- Available bid options are: 

• Full-time YYC Cabin Crew Member 

• Full-time YVR Cabin Crew Member 

• Full-time YYZ Cabin Crew Member

-If you are multilingual, you will continue to maintain your language requirement.

NOTE: Based on the network requirement of the Boeing 787, we do not have vacancies for Cabin Manager positions at this time. In the event vacancies arise, we will communicate opportunities at that time. Currently active or reinstated Cabin Managers will receive additional information. 

How to bid 

Please fill out the form the Company has sent. The form will be available until Sunday, February 20, 2022 at 2359 MT. If you have questions, please email inflightcommunications@westjet.com. 

Active Cabin Managers or Cabin Managers who have a reinstatement date 

The Union is pleased to advise the Company will be offering an opportunity for a one-for-one Cabin Manager swap.  

While the Company is still completing the Cabin Manager reinstatement process in YYC and YYZ, there are no current CM vacancies. If you would like to transfer as a CM to the YYC or YYZ Base, the Company will be in contact to offer this one-time swap opportunity. Depending on interest levels, those who elect to change their base, will be awarded a CM swap by seniority on a one-for-one basis. 

In the absence of the Cabin Manager role in YVR, the Company is unable to accommodate transferring CMs to/from YVR at this time. In the event there is a future need for Cabin Managers in YVR, the Company has agreed to work with the Union on aligning process. 

If you are interested in swapping to YYZ or YYC, please fill out the form you have been sent by the Company. This option will be open until Sunday February 20, at 23:59MT. 

If you have any questions, please reach out to Rahim Ebrahim, Senior Manager, Inflight Operations, or your DPM. 

The following Q&A was provided in the WestJet Communication: 

Q: I’m currently a Cabin Manager who has been involuntarily reclassified as a Cabin Crew Member and not operating in the CM role. Am I able to bid? 

A: Yes. As you will be awarded, you will forfeit your CM reinstatement in your current base and be eligible to be reinstated in your new base into the CM role should a vacancy arise in either YYC or YYZ. Should you elect to bid for YVR, you will have to await a vacancy in that base and complete the recruiting process. 

Q: Why does YYC have a different effective date than YVR and YYZ? 

A: As we are currently complete recall including out of base recall, the effective date is effective following returning CCMs who have currently been laid off. 

Q: Will you be offering any part-time status changes? 

A: Based on operational requirements, all vacancies will be full-time, and we will not have any part-time opportunities at this time. 

Q: What happens if I have a carry-over pairing/reserve from the previous month? 

A: As the carry-over pairing/reserve is from the previous month, you will be required to complete that in your current base. Following completion of that pairing, you will then take on your new base. 

Q: What happens to my vacation that I was awarded? 

A: You will take your vacation with you to your new base. 

Q: When will the next bid be? 

A: At this time, we have no insight as to when the next bid will occur. As per the collective agreement, this would happen a minimum of two times a year. 

If you have any questions about Vacancy Bids, please refer to Article 24-2 of the WestJet Collective Agreement prior to reaching out to your Leader or the Union. 

Please contact the Company directly regarding specific programs being offered. 

Should you have any questions regarding the Collective Agreement, your Union can help! Please contact us at: https://www.cupe4070.ca/contact

 In Solidarity, 
Your CUPE 4070 Exec Team

Interim President, Crystal Hill
Interim Vice-President, Brigitte Benoit
Secretary Treasurer, Alex Grigoriev
Recording Secretary, Marco Di Virgilio
WS YVR Base VP, Chris Brewer
Interim WS YYC Base VP. Brandy Whitby
Interim WS YYZ Base VP, Bryan Hansraj
WR YYC Base VP, Colleen Tracey
WR YYZ Base VP, Mauricio Mejia
WO Base VP, Allan Ramsarran