WR YYZ Base Closure Notification
Dear Encore Members,
It is with mixed emotions that we inform you that the Company has notified the Union of their intention to close the WR YYZ CCM base on September 30, 2024, as per Article 47-2 of the Encore Collective Agreement.
The closure of our base in Toronto will undoubtedly bring about changes that will impact each of us differently. We understand that this is a challenging and uncertain time for everyone, and we want to assure you that your voices matter.
We will be addressing the impacts of the base closure and ensuring that your rights are protected throughout this transition. The company will arrange individual discussions with you and your DPM to discuss your specific situations in more detail. If you have further questions or concerns, we are here to help. We can join you in those meetings if needed.
We prepared an FAQ to cover some standard questions, but if you have any other questions or concerns during this process, please contact us.
Please contact us at:
WR YYZ BASE marcus.johnstone-mckinney@cupe4070.ca
WS YYC BASE heather.crippen@cupe4070.ca
Questions and Answers
Q&A: Understanding Your Rights with the Upcoming Base Closure of YYZ and Costs for Relocation or Accepting FLOW to Mainline.
ARTICLE 47-02 BASE CLOSURE
Question: When is the Union notified about the base closure at YYZ?
Answer: The Company is required to formally notify the Union in writing at least ninety (90) calendar days before the anticipated closure date of the YYZ base. The Company met with the Union ahead of the 90 days to inform the Union of the anticipated closure date that is set for September 30, 2024.
Question: What is the purpose of the meeting between the Company and the Union before the base closure?
Answer: The meeting is to discuss options to minimize the impact on affected Cabin Crew Members, to outline how the reduction process will take place, and to review the current Master Seniority List.
ARTICLE 48 – RELOCATION Understanding Relocation costs.
Question: What relocation assistance does the Company provide if I am required to transfer due to a base closure?
Answer: The Company will provide relocation assistance only when a base is closed, and a Cabin Crew Member is required to transfer to another base.
Question: What are the criteria for relocation at Company expense?
Answer: Eligible relocation expenses will be paid by the Company if the Cabin Crew Member physically and permanently relocates their Designated Primary Residence to the new base, provided all the following conditions are met:
The relocation is from a residence outside a 160km radius of the new base.
The new residence is within a 160km radius of the new base.
The distance from the previous residence to the new residence is at least 80km.
The relocation occurs no more than twelve (12) months after the start of duty at the new base.
Question: What relocation services does the Company provide?
Answer: The Company will provide the services of a relocation services provider per the Company Crew Member Relocation Policy, including assigning a relocation services counselor for the full duration of the relocation. Eligible Cabin Crew Members must manage relocations through the Company’s relocation services provider.
Question: What is the maximum amount the Company will cover for relocation costs?
Answer: The Company will cover up to a maximum of forty thousand dollars ($40,000) for all associated relocation costs.
Question: What costs are covered if I own my residence?
Answer: If you own your residence, the Company will reimburse up to thirty thousand dollars ($30,000) for costs associated with the sale and purchase of a new residence, including real estate commission fees, legal and notary fees, mortgage fees, and land transfer taxes (if applicable).
Question: What costs are covered if I rent my residence?
Answer: If you rent your residence, the Company will reimburse up to a maximum of three (3) months' rent for fees paid due to early termination of the lease. Damages to the rental property will not be covered.
Question: Will the Company cover the cost of moving my vehicle?
Answer: Yes, the Company will cover the expense of relocating one (1) vehicle, whether it is moved, shipped, or driven. If the vehicle is driven, reimbursement will be in accordance with the automobile allowance rates set by the Canadian Revenue Agency. Please reach out to your manager for more information.
Question: What about moving household goods?
Answer: The Company will pay to move up to fourteen thousand (14,000) pounds of household goods, including packing, shipping, and storage for up to thirty (30) days. Only relocations to and from Canadian residences are covered.
Question: Does the Company provide a house-hunting trip?
Answer: Yes, the Company will provide a house-hunting trip and reimburse reasonable costs as per the Company Crew Member Relocation Policy. The trip must be completed on personal days off and will not be blocked or paid time.
Question: Will I get time off for relocation?
Answer: Eligible Cabin Crew Members will receive five (5) guaranteed consecutive days off with pay for relocation. Requests for this leave must be submitted at least seventy-two (72) hours before the close of monthly bidding for the month requested.
Question: What proof of relocation documentation is required?
Answer: Cabin Crew Members must provide proof of relocation, such as lease and real estate documents.
Question: What happens if I leave the Company within twelve months of relocating?
Answer: If a Cabin Crew Member leaves the Company within twelve (12) months of relocating, they must reimburse the Company on a prorated basis for any relocation payments received.
FLOW MOA- Understanding your rights under the FLOW MOA
Q&A: Understanding Your Rights with the Upcoming Base Closure of YYZ and Permanent Employment Offers with WestJet AP
Question: What is the general process for transitioning from Encore to permanent employment with WestJet AP?
Answer: Cabin Personnel at Encore may be offered permanent employment with WestJet AP, subject to the availability of vacancies.
Question: Are there any conditions where WestJet AP is not obligated to offer permanent employment to Encore?
Answer: Yes, WestJet AP is not obligated to offer permanent employment if it determines it is sufficiently staffed to meet its operational requirements or if there is insufficient acceptance of the offers by the Cabin Personnel to meet the minimum offer thresholds. Additionally, if expected vacancies no longer exist due to unforeseen circumstances, WestJet AP may cancel issued offers of permanent employment no less than seven (7) calendar days before the specified start dates.
Question: What happens to my employment and seniority with Encore if I accept permanent employment with WestJet AP?
Answer: If you accept permanent employment with WestJet AP, your employment and seniority with Encore will terminate as per the MOA. This is a voluntary option and a condition of FLOW offer.
Question: What if I fail the initial training at WestJet AP after accepting an offer of permanent employment?
Answer: If you fail the initial training at WestJet AP, you will be eligible to return to permanent employment at Encore YYC. You will be ineligible to be offered permanent employment with WestJet AP for 24 months (about 2 years) from the date you return to work at your prior company.
Question: Are there any eligibility requirements to be offered permanent employment with WestJet AP?
Answer: Yes, you must have completed a minimum of 24 months of active service as Cabin Personnel with Encore. Additionally, you must meet the minimum hiring standards of WestJet AP and have no active discipline greater than a written warning or ongoing disciplinary investigations.
Question: Is acceptance of an offer of permanent employment with WestJet AP voluntary?
Answer: Yes, acceptance of an offer is voluntary.
Question: What happens to my pay and what is my seniority date if I accept permanent employment with WestJet AP?
Answer: Upon accepting an offer of permanent employment, your rate of pay will move to the closest rate of pay (rounded up) without exceeding the maximum rate or falling below the minimum rate for that position. Your seniority with WestJet AP will begin to accrue from the date of successful completion of the WestJet AP in-class initial training.
Question: Will my accrued service with Encore be recognized at WestJet AP?
Answer: Yes, your accrued service with Encore will be recognized for vacation allotment and retirement eligibility calculations at WestJet AP.
Question: What are the requirements for returning property to Encore?
Answer: Upon accepting an offer of permanent employment with WestJet AP, you must return all property of Encore by no later than your start date at WestJet AP. Failure to return the property will result in being placed on unpaid leave at WestJet AP until the property is returned
Question: How is discipline and termination handled during the transition to WestJet AP?
Answer: Your disciplinary record will transfer with you to WestJet AP. Any active grievances at the time of accepting permanent employment will continue at the company where the grievance arose. Arbitration awards or resolutions will bind the parties at the company where the incident occurred.
Question: What are the specific provisions for Encore Cabin Personnel regarding the waiting period and eligibility for the WestJet AP WSP under the Flow MOA?
Answer: Waiver of 180-Day Waiting Period: Notwithstanding Section 4.3.1 of the Flow MOA and Article 44-1.01 of the WestJet AP Collective Agreement, Encore Cabin Personnel will not be required to serve the 180-day waiting period to be eligible to participate in the WestJet AP WSP upon commencing permanent employment with WestJet AP under the Flow MOA. However, they must meet all other eligibility requirements of the WestJet AP WSP to participate.
Unvested Matching Contributions: Encore and Swoop Cabin Personnel who commence permanent employment with WestJet AP under the Flow MOA will not be entitled to receive any unvested matching contributions to the WSP from Encore upon their cessation of employment with that company.
Administrative Waiting Period: Despite the waiver of the 180-day waiting period, there may be an administrative waiting period for Encore Cabin Personnel to allow WestJet AP to facilitate their enrollment in the WestJet AP WSP. Encore Cabin Personnel will not be entitled to participate in the WSP until this administrative waiting period has concluded.
Your CUPE 4070 Executive Team
CUPE 4070 President - Alia Hussain
CUPE 4070 Vice-President - Bryan Hansraj - Interim
CUPE 4070 Secretary-Treasurer - Alex Grigoriev
CUPE 4070 Recording Secretary - Calvin Gautschi
WestJet YVR/YEG Base VP - Chris Brewer
WestJet YYC Base VP - Brandy Whitby
WestJet YWG Base VP - Bryan Hansraj - Interim
WestJet YYZ Base VP - Chris Amaddeo - Interim
WestJet Encore YYC Base VP - Heather Crippen
WestJet Encore YYZ Base VP - Marcus Johnston-McKinney