Education Scholarship Recipients

Dear Members,


The CUPE 4070 Education Committee in conjunction with all the executives are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2021 Scholarships.

As you are aware, we announced that we were able to offer scholarships this year. The application deadline was set for August 30, 2021. We wish to thank everyone who applied. The decision was not an easy one, as there were many exceptional candidates and the competition was fierce.

The awards for each bargaining unit, Swoop, WestJet Encore, and WestJet, were democratically voted on by the two Committee Members who were not in the bargaining unit up for discussion. For example, your WestJet Education Committee Member did not vote for the WestJet award recipient. Each scholarship was awarded based on the application criteria that was communicated when the application process was open. 

Without further ado….. 

Please join us in Congratulating the recipients of the 

 2021 CUPE 4070 Scholarships, 

 our members, your colleagues and friends: 

SWOOP 

One (1) Available Scholarship 

  TEELAH BARLOW 

WESTJET ENCORE 

Two (2) Available Scholarships 

In no specific order 

  BATOUL MAZLOUM 

BEA PATRICIA VIOLETA 

WESTJET  

Three (3) Available Scholarships 

In no specific order  

  MELISSA GEORGE 

ADRIENNE WEBB 

THI BICH NGOC NGO 

CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU ALL! 

GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR EDUCATION PLANS NOW AND IN THE FUTURE

In Solidarity,  

Your CUPE 4070 Education Committee

ADCP Vaccine Mandate

Dear Members,


Attached is a letter from CUPE Airline Division Counsil of Presidents regarding Canada’s Federal Sector Vaccine Mandate. This letter was sent on September 9, 2021, to Nicolas Robinson, Director General of Civil Aviation with Transport Canada, Barbara Raymond, Executive Medical Advisor with Public Health Agency, and Brenda Baxter, Director General with Labour Program Employment and Social Development Canada.



In Solidarity,
Your CUPE 4070 Executive Team

Swoop & CUPE Reach Tentative Agreement

Dear Members,


As you will hear soon from the Company and the media, CUPE Local 4070 and Swoop have reached a Tentative Agreement (TA). The Swoop CUPE 4070 Bargaining Committee, along with four CUPE National Bargaining representatives have been working tirelessly throughout the last few weeks to conclude negotiations for our historic first ever Collective Agreement for Swoop Cabin Crew Members!

We will be planning virtual Roadshows to present this Tentative Agreement to our Swoop Members. We are excited to be able to present this TA to them for ratification.

This is a huge milestone for Swoop, following the WestJet and WestJet Encore Collective Agreements. Having legally binding union contracts in place for the over 4,100 Cabin Personnel at all three of the WestJet Group’s brands will be a milestone of great significance.



In Solidarity,
Your CUPE 4070 Executive Team

CUPE 4070 Response to the WestJet Group’s Communication Regarding Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination

Dear Members,


In the past hour the WestJet Group of Companies released an internal communication to all employees, in every department across the organization. This communication outlines a framework of how they intend to implement the federal government’s announcement from August 13th that requires COVID-19 vaccinations for all employees working in federally regulated sectors. This includes every employee of national air, marine, and rail transportation companies. This notice is not isolated to crew or frontline workers; every worker employed in federally regulated sectors must be fully vaccinated.

CUPE Local 4070 has been anticipating information on this topic from the Company for some time. The Union has been in ongoing discussions with the Company around mandatory vaccinations. We have been advocating that any direction on vaccines be in the form of an official company policy - not just a directive in the form of a communication by a Company Executive. There is legal rationale why the Union believes that any change in conditions of employment must take the form of official policy or policies.

The Union’s stance is that full details and specifics of what is being mandated by the federal government is largely unknown, and as a result, we are of the position that today’s announcement by the Employer is premature. Despite that, the Union now has official guidance from the Employer via today's communication as to their intended approach on this issue. We are receiving continuous guidance from CUPE National legal counsel as to the best approach forward.

While we cannot provide immediate guidance to you today on this matter; please know that your Union is actively working with CUPE National including in-house legal counsel, with CUPE National Health & Safety officers, with the CUPE Airline Division and its Council of Presidents (ADCP), and with our union allies at ALPA, CALDA and Unifor which represent other unionized colleagues within the WestJet Group.

CUPE Local 4070 remains steadfast in our commitment to representing every one of our Members as we continue to navigate through the pandemic and beyond.

Please note that respective Base Vice-Presidents are part of Local 4070’s Executive response planning; as are the respective union OH&S Committees. They do not have any additional information at this time. Further details will be shared by the Union as they become available.

We hope that you find this update helpful. CUPE 4070 contact information can always be found at: www.cupe4070.ca/contact



In Solidarity,
Your CUPE 4070 Executive Team

WestJet New Master Seniority List (MSL) Release

Dear Members,


The company has released the new WestJet Master Seniority List (MSL). It will also be available on our Member Portal.

If you have not created a profile on the Union website, you can find the instructions HERE.

The MSL is attached and can be accessed by clicking HERE.

As per the Collective Agreement Article 15-2, there will be no further disputes until the next MSL publication dispute period in April 2022.

Implementation Timelines

The following dates have been agreed upon between the Union and the Company for when the MSL will be utilized:

Layoff and recall
In the event we announce any future recalls or layoffs, the finalized MSL will be utilized.

Crew Scheduling Day of Operations – Effective September 22, 2021
On this date, the new MSL will be loaded into the day of tracking system (Sabre Crew Trac). All operational reassignments and reserve call outs that consider Cabin Personnel’s seniority will be determined using the new MSL.

This update is anticipated to occur between 0000-0200. Those on RAM may still be called out utilizing the Inflight Department List until the update is complete.

Crew Planning – Effective November 1, 2021
Construction of the November schedules will commence in late September and will utilize the updated MSL that will be loaded on September 22.

As a reminder, November 2021 schedules will be constructed and published in late October utilizing the current equity-based system.



In Solidarity,
Your CUPE 4070 Executive Team

An Update from Local 4070 Secretary-Treasurer Kruti Sutaria

Dear Members,


The Union would like to advise of a financial incident involving fraud that occurred in respect to the Local’s primary chequing account during the month of August 2021.

On Thursday August 26th, as your Secretary-Treasurer I noticed unusual activity in one of the Local’s bank accounts. Specifically, four (4) cheques that had cleared our account in amounts of over $4,500 each. The cheque numbers of these withdrawals were suspicious in nature as these cheque numbers had previously been used and cashed in 2019. The dates of these withdrawals were August 11th and 20th.

Additionally, no physical cheques have been used by the Local in over a year thanks to a payment processing software that provides the use of electronic fund transfers; this has minimized the need for paper cheques. 

Upon discovery of what I was confident was fraud, I immediately proceeded to the nearest bank branch where an official investigation was opened. Legal affidavits were signed by myself and Chris Rauenbusch, CUPE 4070 President; and I transferred remaining funds into our savings account to prevent further cheques from clearing. A police report has also been filed with the Calgary Police Service, which is the procedure for theft over $5000 in Canada.

On Tuesday August 31st, the Bank Manager that had helped initiate the investigation contacted me to advise that the four (4) cheques in question were indeed deemed counterfeit by the Bank’s internal fraud investigation department; and that the funds totaling over $18,000 were going to be returned to CUPE Local 4070 that same day. A new account has now been opened to avoid our Members’ funds being held in an account which has been breached; and the original account will be closed in short order once the preauthorized payments are transferred. The deposit was received into the new account on Tuesday August 31st.

I am confident about which cheque was copied; and based on an internal Union investigation, I strongly believe that the cheque in question was sent to a vendor (payee) in September 2019. It appears this cheque was then altered with two of the signing officers’ signatures electronically copied onto the cloned cheques. The Union is awaiting further details from the vendor at which I believe this occurred; for additional information following their own investigation, as well as for the results of the Calgary Police Service investigation upon its conclusion.

As always, my priority and core responsibilities as your elected Secretary-Treasurer are to ensure that the dues - that you, our Members contribute to our Local - are safely and responsibly handled, and that you have trust in the financial accountability of your Union Local at all times. I remain steadfast and unwavered in this responsibility and continue to be honoured to hold your trust in this regard.

A further update on this incident regarding the Police investigation as well as further details will be provided to the Membership at the next General Membership Meeting (GMM), which will be announced soon, that will occur in November.

In Solidarity,
Kruti Sutaria
Secretary-Treasurer - CUPE Local 4070

Reminder: WS October 2021 Recall - Closing in 48 Hours & September Workforce Update Correction

Dear Members,


This is a reminder from your Union that the WestJet (WS) Recall response window for the October 2021 Recall closes in forty-eight (48) hours.

This Notice is being sent to ALL WestJet (WS) Members with a personal email registered with the Union. Receiving this Notice from the Union does not indicate that you have personally been sent a Notice of Recall from the Employer.

Please verify via the most recent email address that you have registered with the Employer to determine if you have received a Notice of Recall. We suggest you check your ‘Junk’ folder - just in case.

To avoid end of employment, you must respond either Accept or Decline (defer) if you have been sent a Notice of Recall.

Please read ALL of the below ALERTS related to (WS) Recall:

September Workforce Update Correction:
The Union has confirmed that the most junior DOH date for YYZ of July 3 2017, originally provided to us by the employer, was incorrect. The most junior member offered recall for September in YYZ was, in fact, DOH May 11 2009.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to the Union should you have further questions at: www.cupe4070.ca/contact.


In Solidarity,
Your CUPE 4070 Executive Team

Education Committee Scholarship Reminder

Dear Members,

The deadline for scholarship application is August 30,2021. 

CLICK HERE TO APPLY! 

To apply you must: 

• Be a Member in Good Standing. 

• Enrolled/accepted to the 2021-2022 academic year. 

• Studying in Canada in a public or private institution. 

• Submit a completed application and submit proof of enrolment/acceptance to education@cupe4070.ca 

Thank you to those who have already submitted applications. We will review applications once the deadline has passed. Awards will be decided by September 10, 2021 and successful applicants will be contacted via phone or e-mail by September 15, 2021. 

In Solidarity,
Your CUPE 4070 Education Committee

Recall Notice - WestJet (WS) Members - October 2021

Dear Members,


The Company has advised the Union of recall for WestJet (WS) Members during the month of October 2021:

• WS recall to all three (3) bases (YYZ / YYC / YVR)

• Notices of recall and contingent notices of recall will be released by the Company later today, Friday August 27, 2021.

  This recall will not be expedited, meaning Members will have the full seven (7) days to respond to the recall notice as per Article 47 of the Collective Agreement.

• Failure to accept or decline a 7 day recall will end your employment.

• Members will be recalled to their base on a specific date during October 2021 to facilitate required training. The exact recall date will be base specific and will be indicated on your recall or contingent recall notice from the Company.

 To ACCEPT or DECLINE Recall:

1)   Check the personal email account that you have most recently registered with the Company related to your inactive status. If you need to change the email address on file with the Company, please contact peopleservices@westjet.com.

2)   Ensure to check your ‘spam/junk’ folder, just in case.

3)   The Company will provide an official recall notice, or contingent recall notice to eligible Members’ personal email address on file.

Schedules following any mandatory training in October will be assigned based on what is available.

Company Seniority List vs. Master Seniority List:

This recall will use the Company Date-of-Hire List. The work to conclude the disputes submitted for the MSL is almost complete. The final MSL will be released soon. At that time the Union will advise the Membership of the final date of effect of the MSL 

Please reach out to the Union at www.cupe4070.ca/contact should you have further questions.

In Solidarity,
Your CUPE 4070 Executive Team

CUPE 4070 Statement on Federal Mandatory Vaccine Requirement

Dear Members,


As you have most likely heard, Canada’s federal government recently announced that all federally regulated workers in Canada (which includes all Canadian air carriers and our Membership) will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19. This requirement is set to take effect on October 30, 2021.

Since this announcement, the CUPE 4070 Executive leadership has been in contact with Transport Canada, CUPE National as well as in joint consultation with the Airline Division Council of Presidents (ADCP) from the 9 other airlines in Canada represented by CUPE; in order to gather all necessary information related to this policy announcement from the federal government.

In order to be compliant with this federal requirement, the Employer will need to develop policies related to vaccination. At this time the Union has not yet been contacted by the Employer in relation to such policies. Please be assured that prior to the release of any related policy, your Union will be involved and will include CUPE National Legal in all discussions to ensure our Members’ interests are represented.

We will communicate further with the Membership when more details are known, and we have specific information to share.

As always, if you require assistance from your Union, please contact us: www.cupe4070.ca/contact.



In Solidarity,
Your CUPE 4070 Executive Team

Workforce Update (WS) - September 2021

Dear Members,


Below is the summary of recalls that are occurring at WestJet (WS) in September 2021 that have now been awarded.

 WestJet (WS) Recall - September 2021:

***CORRECTION***
It was stated in the Union’s WestJet (WS) Recall Notice released on 10-AUG-2021 that Members being recalled will bid for and hold a full block award for the October 2021 block month onward.

This was an error and the Union apologizes for the incorrect information.

Any Member recalled in September 2021 will be able to bid for their block month as of November 2021 onward.

***CORRECTION***

As always, if you require assistance from your Union, please contact us: www.cupe4070.ca/contact.

In Solidarity,
Your CUPE 4070 Executive Team

CUPE 4070 Statement on WestJet’s Request for Immediate Assistance at YYC

We urge every Member of CUPE Local 4070 to refrain from volunteering for wheelchair assistance duty.

Dear Members,


Yesterday, Colleen Tynan - Vice-President, Airports at WestJet released an appeal to employees, including CUPE Local 4070 Members to “sign up to help guests requiring wheelchair assistance in YYC…”

While the Union is aware of the operational struggles currently facing all three of the airlines that we represent; we do not believe that free labour through volunteerism, nor our Members completing work that should rightly be performed by another unionized labour group within our Company, is an appropriate solution.

Unifor was recently certified by the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) as the sole legal representation and bargaining agent of WestJet’s ground agents at both YVR and YYC. Asking our Members who are similarly unionized to step in and do their work for free is something that any trade union will always stand up and say no to.

Options open to the Company include rehiring GSAs and ground personnel that were permanently laid off at the Company’s discretion during the pandemic. This would create meaningful union jobs, and contribute towards creating employment in our sector. Instead - the Company is imploring you to provide free, volunteer and zero-cost labour. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE.

Additionally, your Health & Safety Committee would like to remind every member that pushing wheelchairs is NOT a part of our Members’ job scope. As a result no risk/job assessment or training related to these duties has been conducted, and there is a significant chance of injury from improper pushing or pulling to our Membership.

We urge every Member of CUPE Local 4070 to refrain from volunteering as requested.

We must stand strong with our union brothers and sisters from WestJet recently unionized with Unifor at the Calgary International Airport.

#INSOLIDARITY

As always, if you require assistance from your Union, please contact us: www.cupe4070.ca/contact.

In Solidarity,
Your CUPE 4070 Executive Team

Reminder: WS September 2021 Recall - Closing in 48 Hours

Dear Members,


This is a reminder from your Union that the WestJet (WS) Recall response window for the September 2021 Recall closes in forty-eight (48) hours.

This Notice is being sent to ALL WestJet (WS) Members with a personal email registered with the Union. Receiving this Notice from the Union does not indicate that you have personally been sent a Notice of Recall from the Employer.

Please verify via the most recent email address that you have registered with the Employer to determine if you have received a Notice of Recall. We suggest you check your ‘Junk’ folder - just in case.

To avoid end of employment, you must respond either Accept or Decline (defer) if you have been sent a Notice of Recall.

Please read ALL of the below ALERTS related to (WS) Recall:

Please do not hesitate to reach out to the Union should you have further questions at: www.cupe4070.ca/contact.



In Solidarity,
Your CUPE 4070 Executive Team

Education Committee Scholarship

Dear Members,


Your CUPE 4070 Education Committee is pleased to inform you that we have posted the Application Form for Scholarships: 

WestJet 

3 Scholarships in the sum of $500.00  

WestJet Encore 

2 Scholarships in the sum of $500.00 

Swoop 

1 Scholarship in the total of $500.00 

To apply you must: 

• Be a Member in Good Standing. 

• Enrolled/accepted to the 2021-2022 academic year. 

• Studying in Canada in a public or private institution. 

• Submit a completed application and submit proof of enrolment/acceptance to: education@cupe4070.ca 

CLICK HERE TO APPLY!  

The deadline to apply is August 30, 2021. Awards will be decided by September 10, 2021 and successful applicants will be contacted via phone or e-mail by September 15, 2021.



In Solidarity, 

Your CUPE 4070 Education Committee 

Recall Notice - WestJet (WS) Members - September 2021

Dear Members,

The Company has advised the Union of recall for WestJet (WS) Members during the month of September 2021:

● WS recall to all three (3) bases (YYZ / YYC / YVR)
● Notices of recall and contingent notices of recall will be released by the Company later today, Tuesday August 10, 2021.
● This recall will not be expedited, meaning Members will have the full seven (7) days to respond to the recall notice as per Article 47 of the Collective Agreement.
● Failure to accept or decline a 7 day recall will end your employment.
● Members will be recalled to their base on a specific date during September 2021 to facilitate required training. The exact recall date will be base specific and will be indicated on your recall or contingent recall notice from the Company.
● Members being recalled will bid for and hold a full block award for the October 2021 block month onward.

To ACCEPT or DECLINE Recall:

1) Check the personal email account that you have most recently registered with the Company related to your inactive status. If you need to change the email address on file with the Company, please contact peopleservices@westjet.com.

2) Ensure to check your ‘spam/junk’ folder, just in case.

3) The Company will provide an official recall notice, or contingent recall notice to eligible Members’ personal email address on file. Schedules following any mandatory training in September will be assigned based on what is available.

Company Seniority List vs. Master Seniority List:
This recall will use the Company Date-of-Hire Seniority List as the dispute period for the Master Seniority List (MSL) is still open. Upon conclusion working through all disputes submitted, the Union and Employer will advise the Membership of the final date of effect of the MSL.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to the Union at www.cupe4070.ca/contact should you have further questions.


In Solidarity,
Your CUPE 4070 Executive Team

Trial Procedure - Update #2

Dear Members,


As many of our Members are aware, three of our Local 4070 Executives were called as respondents in two separate trial complaints under Appendix F of the CUPE National Constitution. Trial -02 was held on July 13, 2021 with Kruti Sutaria, Local 4070 Secretary-Treasurer, Marco Di Virgilio, Local 4070 Recording Secretary, and Chris Rauenbusch, Local 4070 President, as respondents. A Trial Procedure Update for Trial -01 was sent to the Members on August 2, 2021.

Purpose 

“The purpose of the Trial Procedure is to provide members in good standing an internal process to have complaints against other members dealt with in a fair and impartial manner. The Trial Procedure is not to be used for political gain or to resolve interpersonal conflict which does not have a foundation in one of the enumerated offences outlined in Section F.1. 

Members are expected to attempt to deal with issues prior to resorting to file a complaint. Concerns are best resolved when members discuss the issues amongst themselves and arrive at mutual solutions. This can be accomplished either through one on one conversation or through facilitated/mediated discussions. 

The use of mediation can occur at any time once a complaint is filed, including during a trial.” 

- CUPE Constitution Appendix F 

Decision 

The decision in Trial -02 was presented to the respondents on August 5, 2021 and is outlined below: 

THAT Mr. Chris Rauenbusch step down and/or be removed from his position of President of CUPE Local 4070 immediately and banned from holding any type of Leadership/Executive position within CUPE Local 4070 until 2024.

THAT Mr. Chris Rauenbusch provide a letter to the membership that speaks specifically to his decision to step down and/or removal so as to avoid any potential membership backlash for any specific individual(s).

THAT Ms. Kruti Sutaria step down and/or be removed from her position of Secretary Treasurer of CUPE Local 4070 immediately and banned from holding any type of Leadership/Executive position within CUPE Local 4070 until 2023. 

THAT Mr. Marco Di Virgilio provides a letter of apology to the complainant.

THAT Mr. Chris Rauenbusch, Ms. Sutaria and Mr. Marco Di Virgilio engage in specific sensitivity training that provides a focus on harassment and the impact of abuse and trauma specifically towards women.

Appeal Process 

There is an appeal process available to  respondents as outlined in the CUPE National Constitution F.6. 

“The respondent can appeal a finding of guilt and any penalty or order by sending a written appeal to the National President. The appeal must be made within 30 days of when the decision of the Trial Committee was reported to the respondent. The complainant cannot appeal the decision of the Trial Committee.” 

- CUPE Constitution Appendix F.6(a) 

As per the Constitution, this process can take up to one hundred and twenty (120) days from the date that the respondent(s) were notified of the decision of the Trial Panel.

Should any respondent choose to appeal; it is important to note the following from the CUPE National Constitution: 

“The penalty or order of the Trial Committee will not be enforced until: 

(i) the Appeal Panel has made its decision; 

(ii) the respondent gives up the right to appeal; or 

(iii) the respondent fails to appeal the decision of the Trial Committee as set out in Section F.6  (a) and (b).” 

- CUPE Constitution Appendix F.6(h) 

To find more information on the Trial Procedure process, please reference Appendix F of the CUPE National Constitution.

Conclusion 

CUPE National Constitution F.5(k) outlines that the decision of the Trial  Panel will be recorded in the minutes of the next General Membership Meeting. Our Membership will continue to be updated as more information becomes known related to both Trials –01 and –02. Please be assured that the entire Executive continues to operate with the sole focus on supporting our Membership in the workplace, and as recovery from the pandemic continues to unfold.  

In Solidarity,
Your CUPE 4070 Executive Team

CUPE Airline Division - COVID-19 Vaccines

Dear Members,

COVID-19 has grounded much of the airline industry for over a year. Canada has been fortunate to receive increased supply of COVID-19 vaccines and has accelerated second doses for individuals choosing to get vaccinated.

CUPE’s Airline Division would like to survey its members to see if members are getting vaccinated. This information will give us an idea of what types of issues may arise for our airline locals (ex: employer vaccination policies, accommodation requests, scheduling changes). This information will help the Airline Division strategize our recovery plan.

If you are interested in reading CUPE’s vaccination information you can go to:
https://cupe.ca/covid-19-vaccination-workers-rights
https://cupe.ca/covid-19-vaccines-frequently-asked-questions
 

Please note that this survey is completely voluntary. You may choose to exit the survey at any time and not submit your answers. This survey is anonymous and there is no data collected that can link a response to an
individual.

You can access the survey here:
https://survey-sondage.cupe.ca/index.php/497793?lang=en

Vous pouvez accéder au sondage ici :
https://survey-sondage.cupe.ca/index.php/497793?lang=fr

To review the full communication in English and French, please click here.


In Solidarity,
Airline Division Council of Presidents (ADCP)

Trial Procedure - Update

Dear Members,


As many of our Members are aware, three of our Local 4070 Executives were called as respondents in two separate trial complaints under Appendix F of the CUPE National Constitution. Trial -01 was held on July 12, 2021 with Marco Di Virgilio, Local 4070 Recording Secretary, and Chris Rauenbusch, Local 4070 President, as respondents. Trial -02 was held on July 13, 2021 with Kruti Sutaria, Local 4070 Secretary-Treasurer, Marco Di Virgilio, Local 4070 Recording Secretary, and Chris Rauenbusch, Local 4070 President, as respondents.

Purpose 

“The purpose of the Trial Procedure is to provide members in good standing an internal process to have complaints against other members dealt with in a fair and impartial manner. The Trial Procedure is not to be used for political gain or to resolve interpersonal conflict which does not have a foundation in one of the enumerated offences outlined in Section F.1. 

Members are expected to attempt to deal with issues prior to resorting to file a complaint. Concerns are best resolved when members discuss the issues amongst themselves and arrive at mutual solutions. This can be accomplished either through one on one conversation or through facilitated/mediated discussions. 

The use of mediation can occur at any time once a complaint is filed including during a trial.” 

- CUPE Constitution Appendix F 

Decision 

The decision in Trial -01 was presented to the respondents on July 27, 2021 and is outlined below: 

THAT Mr. Chris Rauenbusch step down and/or be removed from his position of President of CUPE Local 4070 immediately and banned from holding any type of Leadership/Executive position within CUPE Local 4070 until 2024. 

THAT Mr. Chris Rauenbusch provide a letter to the membership that speaks specifically to his decision to step down and/or removal so as to avoid any potential membership backlash for the complainant. 

THAT Mr. Marco Di Virgilio provide a letter of apology to the complainant. 

THAT Mr. Chris Rauenbusch and Mr. Marco Di Virgilio engage in specific sensitivity training that provides a focus on harassment and the impact of abuse and trauma specifically towards women. 

The decision  in Trial -02 is still pending and we will communicate with you once it has been rendered. 

Appeal Process 

There is an appeal process available to  respondents as outlined in the CUPE National Constitution F.6. 

“The respondent can appeal a finding of guilt and any penalty or order by sending a written appeal to the National President. The appeal must be made within 30 days of when the decision of the Trial Committee was reported to the respondent. The complainant cannot appeal the decision of the Trial Committee.” 

- CUPE Constitution Appendix F.6(a) 

 As per the Constitution, this process can take up to one hundred and twenty (120) days from the date that the respondent(s) were notified of the decision of the Trial Panel.

Should any respondent choose to appeal; it is important to note the following from the CUPE National Constitution: 

“The penalty or order of the Trial Committee will not be enforced until: 

(i) the Appeal Panel has made its decision; 

(ii) the respondent gives up the right to appeal; or 

(iii) the respondent fails to appeal the decision of the Trial Committee as set out in Section F.6  (a) and (b).” 

- CUPE Constitution Appendix F.6(h) 

To find more information on the Trial Procedure process, please reference Appendix F of the CUPE National Constitution.

Conclusion 

CUPE National Constitution F.5(k) outlines that the decision of the Trial  Panel will be recorded in the minutes of the next General Membership Meeting. Our Membership will continue to be updated as more information becomes known related to both Trials –01 and –02. Please be assured that the entire Executive continues to operate with the sole focus on supporting our Membership in the workplace, and as recovery from the pandemic continues to unfold.  

In Solidarity,
Your CUPE 4070 Executive Team

Workforce Update (WS) - August 2021

Dear Members,


Below is the summary of recalls that occurred at WestJet (WS) in August 2021 that have now been awarded. This has now been corrected.

WestJet (WS) Recall - August 2021: 

As always, if you require assistance from your Union, please contact us: www.cupe4070.ca/contact.



In Solidarity,
Your CUPE 4070 Executive Team

WestJet CA - Article 15 Clarification

Dear Members,

It has come to the Union’s attention that Article 15 of the Collective Agreement, specifically Article 15-5 Forfeiture of Seniority and how it applies to Article 47 Layoff and Recall, requires clarification.

Article 15-5.01 of the Collective Agreement reads as follows:
Except as otherwise stated in this Article, a Cabin Personnel shall be removed from the MSL and shall forfeit all rights at such time as:
a) They are no longer employed as a Cabin Personnel by the Company;
b) They are on layoff for a period greater than three (3) years;
c) They decline a recall opportunity, in accordance with Article 47 - Layoff and Recall;
d) They neglect to answer a recall opportunity, in accordance with Article 47 - Layoff and Recall
 
Clarification:
Article 15-5.01(c)(d) only applies to Article 47 Layoff and Recall when a Member does not answer either accepting or declining a 7-day recall OR they are the most junior on the Recall list and decline a recall, as outlined in Articles 47-5.04, 47-5.06, and 47-5.07.

A Member who does not answer a 7-day recall or declines a recall as the most junior on the recall list would be removed from the Master Seniority List and forfeit their seniority due to no longer being employed by the company.

Further to that, Article 47-5.10 of the Collective Agreement states:
Cabin Personnel shall continue to accrue seniority during the layoff period. Company service shall not accrue for any vacation entitlements, sick leave and pay progression purposes during the layoff period.

Deferring a recall opportunity will not remove you from the Master Seniority List, and will not cause you to stop accruing seniority.

Members have accrued and will continue to accrue time for seniority purposes while inactive (on furlough), regardless of deferring a recall opportunity.

In Solidarity,
Your CUPE 4070 Executive Team