June/July 2022 Newsletter

WestJet Members - June Update

Dear WestJet Members,

As the month of June ends, we would like to provide you with an overall update on the following topics: 

1. Scheduling meeting with Senior WestJet Leadership-June 29, 2022 

1. Crew Scheduling Hold Times 

1. Cabin Temperatures and Summer Operations 

1. YYZ Metering - Fire Chief Order 

1. YEG Hotel – Westin Downtown 

1. Scheduling meeting with Senior WestJet Leadership-June 29, 2022 

The purpose of the scheduling meeting that occurred yesterday was to address the remedies the Union proposed in the three (3) policy grievances the Union filed on May 12, 2022, addressing the seniority PBS. As communicated earlier this month, the scheduling grievances are in abeyance. Rest assured, they are still very much active, and the Union is consistently identifying and communicating remedies for seniority scheduling.  

The Union maintains that the current system is in violation of the Collective Agreement. 

The Union has spent many, many hours reading emails from our membership and researching ways to make scheduling issues less impactful in the now, while also researching what system would meet the needs of the Membership.

The Meeting: 
The Union brought forward system improvements we identified and sought collaboration on a new system.  

The Union requested the following system improvements:  

• Bid Analyzer feature: The Bid Analyzer allows Cabin Personnel to validate their bids. It does not show you the schedule you will receive, only how your bids are reflected with the weighted system. It allows you to see how the system “satisfies” you with the bids you have entered, prior to bidding close 

• “Max NN” feature: this allows Cabin Personnel to limit the system on how many times a pairing will be awarded. This is helpful for more varied flying; for example, if you would like three BCN layovers, not an entire month of BCN layovers  

• More than 16 bid lines (a consistent request from the SRC and Executive since before this system was implemented)  

• A pairing credit bid option. This will allow members to see the benefit of the equalizer being gone 

• An option to bid for minimum rest between pairings, benefitting Members who bid for one day pairings 

• Consistent blocking windows 

• The ability to bid for where Members want their reserve blocks to be scheduled, outside of requesting days off. Days off requests are consistently not awarded due to how Reserve is scheduled. How and where Reserve is awarded continues to remain a mystery to the Union 

• A separate bid package for CFL Charters 

• Any other option that will provide flexibility, consistency, and more control over one's schedule, regardless of their seniority 

• The Union is also urging the Employer to apply the remedies outlined in Article 34-2.03 for valid Day Off violations  

• The Employer has taken all the Union’s requests back, and have scheduled a meeting with the SRC and ADopt for next Wednesday

The System Itself: 

Through feedback, disputes and issues brought forward by the Membership to the SRC and the Executive, what has been identified is the weighted system is not what our Members desire. We want simplicity. We have requested that the Employer collaborate with the Union in seeking a seniority-based sequential Preferential Bidding System. A sequential PBS does not try to maximize “satisfaction” through math; it awards top down, one bid at a time. If your #1 bid is available, you will be awarded your #1 bid. The system will then move on to #2, etc., etc., until your schedule is complete. This will allow everyone, senior, junior, and in between, a clear understanding of their schedules and what they can hold with their seniority. 

Meetings with ADopt: 

The Employer has pledged to regular meetings between the SRC and ADopt, the developer. The SRC is seeking answers to Reserve scheduling, bidding options, clear definitions in the monthly Reason’s Report, and an overall simplified Reason’s Report. The current Reason’s Report is exceptionally large, not user friendly, and takes a long time and repeated attempts to load, making investigation into scheduling disputes extremely time consuming.

2. Crew Scheduling Hold Times  

The Union has been receiving reports that Cabin Personnel who are calling Crew Scheduling to report sick have experienced lengthy hold times and are subsequently being coded as Late Sick when they finally are able to connect. Please document the number of times you tried to call, and/or the length of time you spent on hold by taking a screen shot of your phone screen. Email your DPM with the details and above documentation and copy your Base VP. 

A reminder to use FLICA to report yourself as Still Sick (STS), or Good to Go (G2G)/Return to Duty (RTD). 

Due to current operational challenges over the long weekend, the Employer has requested that Members only contact Crew Scheduling with immediate/emergency issues.

3. Cabin Temperatures and Summer Operations 

The Union has already been receiving reports of unsafe cabin temperatures. Cabin temperatures are federally regulated in the Canada Labour Code in Part 7 of Aviation Occupational Health and Safety Regulations:  

“7.1 If feasible, the temperature on board an aircraft shall, if feasible, be maintained at a level of not less than 18°C and not more than 29°C.” 

Your OH&S Committee has been working to get each Member their own personal thermometer, but have come across supply issues. The Union is working on an interim solution, and we will communicate further. 

Despite the absence of a thermometer, all our Members are familiar with the physiological effects to ourselves and our passengers when the APU is not running and the cabin gets too hot. In past summer months, Members have reported crew and passengers overheating, fainting, and requiring EMS. This is an unsafe workplace and action should be taken before this point. 

When you feel the cabin temperature is getting too hot, immediately contact the captain to get the air turned on.  

You have the right to a safe workplace. You have the right to refuse dangerous work until unsafe working conditions are made safe. You MUST report unsafe work conditions, including cabin temperature concerns, to the Employer and your OH&S Committee.

4. YYZ Metering - Fire Chief Order

The Union has been in repeated discussions with the Employer about metering, pay and the safety implications of metering, particularly as the hot summer months are upon us.  

Earlier today, the Employer released an Ops Comm - Metering Fire Chief Order. The order sent out from the Mississauga Fire Department to every airline that serves the GTAA further complicates an already fraught situation for both our Members and our guests. 

The Union, including your OH&S Committee, met with the Employer today. We shared our concerns that the procedures currently in place are insufficient for the crew under these circumstances and expressed our significant concern for our Members safety. The Employer advised that they have received little documentation related to ICM incidents and metering. For ICM procedures, please reference in the FAM section 3A.6.6.4.

All ICM incidents MUST be reported to the Company 

For the Union to effectively advocate for our membership, IHR reporting is required. For instructions on how to log in or submit an IHR please refer to the “Welcome Booklet Intune v.4” on your CCD. 

After the Union met with the Employer, we met with our CUPE National Occupational Health and Safety Advisor, Troy Winters. The Union is working on a form for Members to submit on cupe4070.ca to track Metering incidences and concerns ourselves. We will communicate to the Membership when the form is live.

5. YEG Hotel – Westin Downtown 

The Hotel & Transportation Committee and OH&S Committee met with the Employer to discuss concerns related to the area surrounding the YEG Westin Downtown hotel. The Employer has received 45 reports from Members since 2019, including several reports of assault. The Employer and Corporate Security conducted a thorough investigation into the YEG Westin Downtown hotel and determined that, despite the reports and the request to move hotels by the Union, the YEG Westin Downtown hotel location is safe.  

The Employer informed the Committees that they will continue to meet to hear concerns related to this property.  

ALPA’s Hotel & Transportation Committee have not received any safety reports, and they have decided that they do not want to be part of this move. 

We ask that you continue to submit concerns and incidents on the Crew Connex app and via IHR-Crew Accommodations and Transportation. For instructions on how to log into Crew Connex please search for the “Welcome Booklet Intune v.4” on your CCD.  

Every IHR submitted supports the Union’s position of demanding change. 

As always, if you require Union assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us: cupe4070.ca/contact 

In Solidarity,
Your CUPE 4070 Executive Team
CUPE 4070 President, Crystal Hill
CUPE 4070 Vice-President, Alia Hussain
CUPE 4070 Secretary-Treasurer, Alex Grigoriev
CUPE 4070 Recording Secretary, Marco Di Virgilio
WestJet YVR Base VP, Chris Brewer
WestJet YYC Base VP, Brigitte Benoit
WestJet YYZ Base VP, Vacant - Pending By-election
WestJet Encore YYC Base VP, Colleen Tracey
WestJet Encore YYZ Base VP, Mauricio Mejia
Swoop Base VP, Allan Ramsarran

Removal of Transportation Restrictions

Dear Members,

Your CUPE 4070 Hotels and Transportation Committee would like to inform you that as of July 1st 2022, these following COVID restrictions will be lifted: 

• Removal of physical distancing requirements in vehicles. 

• Cabin Personnel / Flight Attendants will be able to sit in the front seat. 

• Drivers and Cabin Personnel / Flight Attendants are encouraged to wear masks, but depending on different local mandates this may be mandatory. 

• Re-introduce the guest transfer request form (WS/WR). 

If you have any questions or concerns regarding Hotels and Transportation, please contact us at: hotels@cupe4070.ca 

In Solidarity,
Your CUPE 4070 Hotel and Transportation Committee

June/July 2022 By-Election

Dear Members,

We will be holding another by-election for various positions in the Union. Please review this information carefully:

The following position is a term position, ending in November 2023:

CUPE 4070
*Trustee - 1x
*Open to all Members In Good Standing from all 3 units

The following positions are term positions, ending in November 2022:

WestJet
**WS YYZ Base:
WS YYZ Base Vice-President - 1x
WS YYZ Communications Committee - 1x
WS YYZ Union Steward - 1x
**Open to all Members In Good Standing from WestJet YYZ Base only

Please take note of the following timelines: 

Nominations OPEN:
Friday June 24, 2022 at 03:00 PT/04:00 MT/06:00 ET
Nominations CLOSE:
Thursday June 30, 2022 at 15:00 PT/16:00 MT/18:00 ET
Nomination Acceptance Email OUT:
Friday July 1, 2022
Nomination Acceptance DUE:
Monday July 4, 2022 at 15:00 PT/16:00 MT/18:00 ET 
Resume/Info Sheet DUE:
Tuesday July 5, 2022 at 15:00 PT/16:00 MT/18:00 ET
Elections START: 
Thursday July 7, 2022 at 03:00 PT/04:00 MT/06:00 ET
Elections END:
Wednesday July 13, 2022 at 15:00 PT/16:00 MT/18:00 ET

Members In Good Standing (signed card and paid $5 Membership fee) can nominate other Members In Good Standing and participate in the voting process. If you wish to participate in this election round and have not signed a card, please sign a card and pay the $5 Membership fee on our website at least 24 hours before the nominations or elections end for processing. SIGN A CARD HERE 

Nomination Forms
CUPE 4070 Trustee
WestJet YYZ
 
All nomination forms must be filled out electronically or printed and scanned and sent by email to: elections@cupe4070.ca
Please include the position and the nominee's name in the subject line of your email. 

Notes

• The nominator must discuss the nomination with the nominee and both must be Members In Good Standing (Signed Union card and paid $5 membership fee) 

• Unit and base specific positions require the nominee and the nominator to be from the same base and unit

• Only one nomination form is required per nominee for the same position.  

• You cannot nominate yourself. 

Nomination Acceptance
All Members who have been nominated will be sent an email from Marco Di Virgilio, Recording Secretary & Returning Officer, asking if they will allow their name to stand on the ballot and accept the nomination.

If you have been nominated for a position, please monitor your email and spam/junk folder during this period. Nominees who do not reply by the deadline will automatically be considered to have declined their nomination.

Resume/Info Sheet
All nominees that accept their nomination will be given the opportunity to provide a one (1) page (standard 8.5x11 size) resume/info sheet which can be posted on our social media pages and website with links sent by email to all Members for review.

Nominees must send their resume/info sheet in PDF format to: elections@cupe4070.ca

You can start creating your resume/information sheet ASAP. 

Please do not 

• Submit large file resume/info sheets 

• Use company logos 

• Provide any information you don’t want public 

Electoral Officer: 
The Electoral Officer for this by-election will be Sylvia Alves, WestJet Cabin Crew Member and Communications Committee Chair - YYC Base. 


In Solidarity,
Marco Di Virgilio, Recording Secretary & Returning Officer - CUPE 4070

July Block Award Update

Dear WestJet Members,  

It has been brought to our attention that the Scheduling Review Committee and Members of the Executive are receiving abusive and offensive messages via personal social media and emails from some of the Membership.  

All of us are well past frustration with implementation of seniority schedules, and the errors identified in July 2022 schedules which resulted in a delayed release is the cherry on top of what has been a horrendous few months.  

What has occurred with seniority bidding and July schedules is NOT the Scheduling Review Committee’s, nor any Union representatives, fault. The Union works for you, not against you.  

No Member should be subject to abuse and/or harassment from another Member. No Elected Member should be subject to abuse and/or harassment from other Members.  

This is especially egregious when considering every Member fully understands who is responsible for this error. This is the Employer’s error – they have publicly acknowledged and admitted it.  

There is no circumstance, no matter how upsetting an issue is, where abuse of any Member is acceptable or should be tolerated. We are all bound by the CUPE Equality Statement, the CUPE Constitution, the Code of Conduct set out in our Bylaws, the Oath of Membership, and for other elected Union Representatives, our Oath of Office. A piece of paper should not have to determine how another human being is treated, but these are tools to reinforce how we should be treating each other.   

Your Elected Representatives are also your colleagues, and we are all subject to the same workplace policies every Member is, even in the course of carrying out Union duties.  

Whatever avenue you choose to send your concerns to, whether that is to the Employer or the Union, the expectation is that all communication is respectful.  

In Solidarity,
Crystal Hill, Local 4070 President  
Alia Hussain, Local 4070 Vice-President 

July 2022 Block Awards & Grievances Update

Dear Members,

Your CUPE 4070 WS SRC and members of the Executive met with the Employer today to discuss the delay in schedule release. When this was presented to the Union last night, we asked for expedited Flica processing for June/July and a full block day of compensation for every WestJet Member. The Employer has rejected the monetary ask; they countered with a GDO for each Cabin Personnel. Your Union does not think this is a sufficient remedy that respects your time, especially given that this is the third month of an ongoing failed rollout, Seniority Bidding. Our expectation is that we receive a more meaningful resolution for our Members. The answer to expedited Flica processing is outstanding. 

Many members are asking why there is no bargained language speaking to a remedy or recourse when schedules are delayed due to Employer or system errors. The simple answer should be that a remedy shouldn’t have to be negotiated – schedules should be released on the 21st of each month, unless mutually agreed upon and due to extreme circumstances (i.e., schedule release delay due to layoffs, as we saw in February 2021). However, the absence of language allows the Union to ask for a reasonable and fair outcome that reflects the circumstance of the violation, without limiting us when schedule release is delayed.  

On June 6, 2022, Crystal Hill, CUPE 4070 President, Alia Hussain, CUPE 4070 Vice-President, Brigitte Benoit, CUPE 4070 WS YYC Base Vice-President, and Sarah Ferraro, WS SRC Chair, met the Employer in a grievance hearing to argue the three Policy Grievances the Union filed on May 12, 2022, over the seniority bidding system that was implemented in May 2022 (14 months following ratification).  

The grievances were clearly received by the Employer. Shortly after the grievance hearing ended, the Employer reached out to the Union to discuss next steps.  

The grievance process in Article 30 of the Collective Agreement outlines timelines that must be met by both the Union and the Employer. The Union has 30 days to file a grievance, the Employer has 14 days to respond to the grievance, and 14 days to issue a decision.  

Depending on the complexities of a grievance, mutually agreed upon resolutions between the Union and the Employer cannot meet the 14-day timeline. When that happens, both parties can agree to put grievances into abeyance while actively working through a mutually agreed upon resolution. 

Putting a grievance into abeyance means the grievance is still active, but not subject to timelines – timelines are put on hold, the grievance itself is not.  The resolutions requested by the Union in the three scheduling Policy Grievances cannot be mutually agreed upon in 14 days therefore, both sides have agreed to put the Policy Grievances into abeyance to facilitate required discussion. Putting a grievance into abeyance allows both sides time to come to a mutually agreed upon resolution.  

After the grievance hearing, the Union and the Employer scheduled a meeting for June 29, 2022 to discuss seniority bidding and next steps. The Union is seeking the following: 

• A seniority bidding system that respects true seniority, as was the bargained intent, to be jointly evaluated and selected by representatives from the Union and the Employer 

• The system must allow the Scheduling Review Committee and our Members to clearly understand why they received the schedule they did, and why a day off violation was deemed valid 

• Identification and implementation of improvements to the current system in the interim 

As for the Individual Day Off Disputes and Individual Scheduling Grievances the Union filed related to May 2022 schedules, the Company has requested the Union withdraw these grievances. The Company believes the issue(s) will be addressed systemically through two of the three Policy Grievances already submitted.  

The Union has since advised that we are not in a position to withdraw any days off disputes and/or individual scheduling grievances. Instead, the Union has requested that all monthly individual scheduling grievances (current and upcoming) be placed into temporary abeyance as active discussion on the current Policy Grievances (WS-POL-2022-002/003/004) are ongoing.   

Any remedy to the Policy Grievances would need to address all members of the bargaining unit and would need to satisfy the provisions of the Collective Agreement as per Article 34-2.02 and 34-2.03. Individual scheduling grievances will not be settled quickly or out of convenience.  The Union will continue to file individual scheduling grievances every month as the Collective Agreement continues to be violated.  

We know the impacts on delayed schedule release and this bidding system has had on our Membership. This is absolutely unacceptable.

Ultimately, if we could prevent the Employer’s errors, we would. If we could fix this overnight, we would. The Union has been vigorously exercising the grievance process, and we will continue to do so.  

The Union will be sure to keep the Membership informed as more information is available. 

As always, if you have any questions, concerns, or require representation in a meeting, please contact your Union: cupe4070.ca/contact 

In Solidarity,
Your CUPE 4070 WS SRC
Sarah Ferraro (Chair)
Shelley MacDonald
Calvin Gautschi
Your CUPE 4070 Executive Team
CUPE 4070 President, Crystal Hill
CUPE 4070 Vice-President, Alia Hussain
CUPE 4070 Secretary-Treasurer, Alex Grigoriev
CUPE 4070 Recording Secretary, Marco Di Virgilio
WestJet YVR Base VP, Chris Brewer
WestJet YYC Base VP, Brigitte Benoit
WestJet YYZ Base VP, Vacant - Pending By-election
WestJet Encore YYC Base VP, Colleen Tracey
WestJet Encore YYZ Base VP, Mauricio Mejia
Swoop Base VP, Allan Ramsarran

Uniform Sizing Issues

Dear WestJet and WestJet Encore Members, 

As the launch of the new uniform draws near, packages have started to arrive at your doorsteps with your new uniforms in them.    

As exciting as this is, it has come to the committee’s attention that some items aren’t fitting as they did during the trial fittings, and some of you are concerned about not having a properly fitting uniform for the launch.  The committee has spoken to the Company and they are asking anyone with fit issues to reach out to them so that they can collect this information and take it back to Unisync for troubleshooting.   

If you have issues with the new uniforms not fitting properly, please email Elise Featherstone or Leah McDonald at: uniforms@westjet.com, and please CC the uniform committee at: uniforms@cupe4070.ca so that we’re aware of how many of you are having issues.  If you can, and feel comfortable doing so, please include pictures of the fit issues.  These will help when submitting everything to Unisync. 

We would like to remind you that some orders have been “split”, so, you might not have all of the items you originally ordered in your packages.  The reason for these split orders is because the employer had to make quantity projections for each piece, however, some pieces saw considerably more orders than what was projected.  In order for everyone to have a functional uniform for rollout, orders had to be split into different shipments.  As soon as those split pieces arrive, they will be mailed out to you immediately.  

If you have any questions or concerns, please speak to a uniform committee rep, or email us at: uniforms@cupe4070.ca. 

Happy and safe flying everyone. 

  
In Solidarity, 

Your CUPE 4070 WS & WR Uniform Committee 

July 2022 Block Award - UPDATE

Dear Members,

Less than three hours ago, the CUPE 4070 WS SRC was notified by the Employer that there was a significant error in the allocation of reserve blocks across all three bases, YVR, YYC and YYZ. Your WS SRC, Local Executive, and Communications teams met with WestJet leadership at 20:00MT. Two options were presented to the Union; neither were desirable for our Members. The Employer was going to choose one of these options regardless of whether the Union was consulted. A delay in schedules is a direct violation of the Collective Agreement, however, the CA does not provide a remedy for a delay in schedules. 

We understand that a delay in a Cabin Personnel schedule is detrimental to planning upcoming monthly activities, including securing childcare, coordinating with partners and family, and managing a work/life balance. Our Members time has value – delaying schedule release has impact on our time. The Union has requested that if schedules must be re-run, the delay is reflected in expedited Flica processing, with priority given to pairing drops/trades in that touch the last day of June, and carry over pairings into July. Additionally, the Union has asked the Employer for financial compensation due to this delay for every WestJet Member. The Employer has taken our request away to discuss with senior management. 

The news and burden of yet another seniority system issue that has resulted in further disruption to our Members lives is not only incredibly frustrating but hugely disappointing.  

An update on this situation and all grievances, policy and individual, will be provided tomorrow, June 22, 2022. 

In Solidarity,
Your CUPE 4070 Scheduling Review Committee & CUPE 4070 Executive Team

July 2022 Block Awards - Dispute Form

Dear WestJet Members,

Your CUPE 4070 WS SRC is aware that the Employer’s scheduling dispute form on SharePoint (Westnet) is not working. We have had a massive influx of emails, and would like to remind our Members that emailing the SRC does not record your dispute.  
 

Disputes MUST be done through the Employer’s form. 

We have informed the Employer that the form is not working and will update the Membership when more information is available. 

In Solidarity,
Your CUPE 4070 WestJet Scheduling Review Committee

Auntie In Residence

Dear Members,

June 21st marks National Indigenous Peoples Day in Canada.  

On behalf of Local 4070 Committee Against Racism and Discrimination (CARD), Cabin Personnel and Flight Attendants are invited to join a day of celebration with CARD Chair, Lindsay Poll.  

Lindsay will be available in person at the Calgary CUPE Office (located at YYC International on arrivals level behind carousel 7) and virtually via TEAMs, serving and offering support to Members as an “Auntie” in residence.    

“Auntie” in residence is an opportunity to provide space for all 4070 Members to experience Indigenous ways of knowing. The term “Auntie” is often used in Indigenous culture as a term of endearment for matriarchs who carry forward Indigenous traditions. An “Auntie” can be literal aunts, a close family friend, or a respected figure in the community. Lindsay is not an Elder.  She is, however, continuing to learn and grow her skills as a knowledge keeper.    

The day will start by opening the office with a prayer. Smudging will be available to participating members to clear negative energy, bring balance and recognize the land we occupy.   

Members can participate in making medicine pouches. A medicine pouch is a sacred item and usually contains four medicines for spiritual protection: tobacco, sweet grass, sage and cedar.     

This year, “Auntie” in residence is only available in person in Calgary however, all Members from all bases are encouraged to participate virtually via TEAMs.     

TO PARTICIPATE CLICK HERE 

This link will be active on June 21st from 8:00PT / 9:00MT / 11:00ET – 15:00 PT / 16:00MT / 18:00ET 

In Solidarity, 

Your CUPE 4070 CARD Committee 

WestJet YYZ Base Update - June 20, 2022

Dear WestJet YYZ Base Members, 

As some of you may already know, Chantale Tremblay has shared that she will be stepping away from her role as WS YYZ Base Vice-President.  

I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of the CUPE 4070 Executive team to thank her for her dedicated service over the past years as WS Base VP for YYZ.   

As a result, I have been transitioning with Chantale over the past few days and will be assuming the role/responsibilities of the WS YYZ Base Vice-President for the interim until a by-election that will be announced soon is complete. 

I am looking forward to the opportunity to support and advocate for the YYZ base in the interim. The WS YYZ contact form on our website has been updated and is now forwarded to me. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns: cupe4070.ca/contact 

In Solidarity, 
Alia Hussain
Vice-President, CUPE 4070 

WestJet Group Announcement - June 16, 2022

Dear Members,

We understand the news from the WestJet Group Executive Leadership today will cause some uncertainty, particularly with our WestJet and WestJet Encore Members in YYZ Base.  

Here is what we know:

• WestJet Group Executive Leadership has evaluated the business model of the WestJet Group AP and identified what works and does not work for the overall health and longevity of WestJet, WestJet Encore, and Swoop

• Leading up to the next two years, the business will be re-focused on Western Canada flying, the reduction of domestic Eastern Triangle flying, the cancellation of most outstanding Boeing 787 orders (3-4 undelivered units), refocus on narrow-body, with further orders and deliveries of narrow-body aircraft, and a focus on sun destinations. The focus in Eastern Canada will be East-West flying and East-South flying

• The Company has given assurances that there will be no job losses or layoffs, but in fact will result in further flow opportunities for WestJet Encore Members specifically, and that there is the intent to continue mass hiring across the companies, including inflight

• The ELT identified that WestJet and Swoop need to run more complementary networks, so markets are not “double served”

• Throughout all these changes, the Collective Agreements for all three units must be respected

• WestJet Group AP Executives have pledged to regular communication as these plans evolve and are implemented

Here is what we do not know: 

• What will happen to YYZ 787 Cabin Managers 

• Where WestJet Encore (or Swoop) flow will be focused  

• Exact timing of these phases 

The Union will be meeting with Senior Leadership next week to further discuss the changes and how this will impact our Members. The Union will also evaluate ways this can benefit all of us at CUPE 4070.  

Yesterday at the Summit and today during the Townhall, CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech made a comment to the effect of the enemy being outside of our walls, not within. 

Uncertainty and change are not easy and have emotional impact, especially after the last 2.5 years. Local 4070’s collective power comes from all of us being united, working side-by-side in pursuit of better working conditions. It is imperative that we stand together – we are not each other’s enemy. 

The Union also views Alexis’ comment as favourable to Labour Relations overall. The Union is not the enemy of the Company, nor do we want the Company to be the Union’s enemy. This is a mutually beneficial business relationship that depends on good Labour Relations on both sides, which includes effective and timely communication when change that affects our Members is imminent. The Union is appreciative of the Company's proactive approach on the news regarding WestJet Group’s strategic growth plans, and the Sunwing (WG) announcement. 

To submit your questions / hot topics to be answered, please submit here: cupe4070.ca/newsletterhottopics 

We are aware the June newsletter is delayed, as you can imagine there are many changes occurring that we want to make sure are captured accurately for you, our Members. 

If you have any questions or concerns, or require Union representation, please contact us at: cupe4070.ca/contact. 

In Solidarity,
Your CUPE 4070 Executive Team
CUPE 4070 President, Crystal Hill
CUPE 4070 Vice-President, Alia Hussain
CUPE 4070 Secretary-Treasurer, Alex Grigoriev
CUPE 4070 Recording Secretary, Marco Di Virgilio
WestJet YVR Base VP, Chris Brewer
WestJet YYC Base VP, Brigitte Benoit
WestJet YYZ Base VP, Chantale Tremblay
WestJet Encore YYC Base VP, Colleen Tracey
WestJet Encore YYZ Base VP, Mauricio Mejia
Swoop Base VP, Allan Ramsarran

Monkeypox Update #1 / Mise-à-jour sur la variole du singe #1

Dear Members,

The following message is from the Airline Division Council of Presidents (ADCP) / Division Aérienne Conseil des Présidents (DACP).

Please click the link to view the message:
Monkeypox Update #1 / Mise-à-jour sur la variole du singe #1

In Solidarity,
Your CUPE 4070 Executive Team
CUPE 4070 President, Crystal Hill
CUPE 4070 Vice-President, Alia Hussain
CUPE 4070 Secretary-Treasurer, Alex Grigoriev
CUPE 4070 Recording Secretary, Marco Di Virgilio
WestJet YVR Base VP, Chris Brewer
WestJet YYC Base VP, Brigitte Benoit
WestJet YYZ Base VP, Chantale Tremblay
WestJet Encore YYC Base VP, Colleen Tracey
WestJet Encore YYZ Base VP, Mauricio Mejia
Swoop Base VP, Allan Ramsarran

YYZ Metering Update

Dear Members,

The Union has been informed of posts made on social media that Members landing into YYZ have had bridges locked to prevent guests and crew from deplaning when a customs hold/metering is in effect.  

This is unacceptable and poses a serious Health and Safety risk. 

We cannot take posts from social media to the Employer as proof or evidence. Many Members have come to the Union about metering; we have directed Members to report customs holds and have repeatedly discussed this issue with the Employer. We are now urging you to report all occurrences of metering to the Company and provide a copy to your CUPE 4070 Occupational Health and Safety Committee: 

WestJet Encore OH&S – WR.OHS@cupe4070.ca 

Swoop OH&S – WO.OHS@cupe4070.ca 

WestJet OH&S – WS.OHS@cupe4070.ca  

Doors being locked has the potential to cause serious harm to our Members and guests if an emergency situation were to arise, as well as concerning psychological impacts.  

It is your legal obligation to identify and report health and safety risks. As it is our responsibility to protect you, it is your responsibility to properly report and inform your Union. 

A reminder that when you report, stick to the facts, bullet pointed if possible, and provide detail. When reporting be sure to include: 

• ANY adverse interactions with guests on board, not necessarily categorized as ICM incidents. 

• How long the hold was. 

• When the first and last guest was allowed to deplane, and if anyone left prior to that without authorization. 

• The temperature in the aircraft, e.g. was air left on.  

• What kind of provisions are available, e.g. enough water for crew and guests (water service) 

• Interactions with CBSA Officers 
   

The Union has been and continues to be in discussion with the Employer, the CUPE Airline Division and ALPA about metering and will provide updates as this situation evolves. 

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, or require representation, please reach out to your Union: cupe4070.ca/contact

In Solidarity,
Your CUPE 4070 Executive Team
CUPE 4070 President, Crystal Hill
CUPE 4070 Vice-President, Alia Hussain
CUPE 4070 Secretary-Treasurer, Alex Grigoriev
CUPE 4070 Recording Secretary, Marco Di Virgilio
WestJet YVR Base VP, Chris Brewer
WestJet YYC Base VP, Brigitte Benoit
WestJet YYZ Base VP, Chantale Tremblay
WestJet Encore YYC Base VP, Colleen Tracey
WestJet Encore YYZ Base VP, Mauricio Mejia
Swoop Base VP, Allan Ramsarran

CUPE Airline Division - Airline PPE Survey

Dear Members,

As other jurisdiction roll back mandates for the public to wear facial coverings the Union is concerned that its members may see a rollback of protections on the job. While we will continue to fight for all protections to keep your workplace safe, we have developed a short survey to gauge how CUPE flight attendants feel about maintaining various forms of personal protective equipment. Participants of this survey will not be identified in any way, and data collated by this survey will be kept on CUPE surveys and only distributed in aggregate or de-identified form.

Note: CUPE 4070 has raised concerns with the spelling of the names of our 3 units in this survey. These errors are something we have addressed and hope is sorted BEFORE we take these types of surveys to our Members again.

Please see the surveys below, in English and French:

• English https://survey-sondage.cupe.ca/index.php/552348?lang=en

• French https://survey-sondage.cupe.ca/index.php/552348?lang=fr

Please complete this survey ASAP.

In Solidarity,
Your CUPE 4070 Executive Team
CUPE 4070 President, Crystal Hill
CUPE 4070 Vice-President, Alia Hussain
CUPE 4070 Secretary-Treasurer, Alex Grigoriev
CUPE 4070 Recording Secretary, Marco Di Virgilio
WestJet YVR Base VP, Chris Brewer
WestJet YYC Base VP, Brigitte Benoit
WestJet YYZ Base VP, Chantale Tremblay
WestJet Encore YYC Base VP, Colleen Tracey
WestJet Encore YYZ Base VP, Mauricio Mejia
Swoop Base VP, Allan Ramsarran

General Membership Meeting - May 31, 2022 - Reminder

Dear Members,

This is a reminder that today, May 31 at 11:00 PT / 12:00 MT / 14:00 ET, we will be holding our GMM. Please review this email for more information. This link is where you will find information on who is eligible to participate in the GMM, how to register for the event on Microsoft Teams, and where to find information for review what has been posted on our Member Portal.

If you have difficulty accessing the GMM and are a Member in Good Standing, please email communications@cupe4070.ca for immediate assistance.

If you can't make it to the GMM and have questions for us, please use the "Hot Topics" form so that we can answer them in a future issue of our monthly newsletter: Hot Topics For CUPE 4070 Newsletter

We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at the GMM. 

Happy International Flight Attendant Day!

In Solidarity,
Your CUPE 4070 Executive Team
CUPE 4070 President, Crystal Hill
CUPE 4070 Vice-President, Alia Hussain
CUPE 4070 Secretary-Treasurer, Alex Grigoriev
CUPE 4070 Recording Secretary, Marco Di Virgilio
WestJet YVR Base VP, Chris Brewer
WestJet YYC Base VP, Brigitte Benoit
WestJet YYZ Base VP, Chantale Tremblay
WestJet Encore YYC Base VP, Colleen Tracey
WestJet Encore YYZ Base VP, Mauricio Mejia
Swoop Base VP, Allan Ramsarran

Happy International Flight Attendant Day!

Dear Members,

May 31st is International Flight Attendant Day, and your CUPE 4070 Executive Team, on behalf of all CUPE 4070 Elected Members, would like to take this opportunity, to celebrate and share our utmost appreciation for the dedication, spirit, and efforts of our Cabin Personnel / Flight Attendants. 

As we enter the third year of the global pandemic, we want to take this opportunity to acknowledge once again the challenges that our Members have and continue to face. The multitude of ways in which our Members at WestJet, WestJet Encore, and Swoop have and continue to display strength, patience, grace, and phenomenal work ethic makes those of us who represent you at CUPE 4070 so proud to be a part of this team. 

On Tuesday, May 31, we encourage our Members to take to social media and share your favourite photos and stories of you being the awesome Flight Attendants you are. Be sure to tag CUPE4070.

Also, to help show our appreciation for your continued hard work, we have engaged a number of generous sponsors who have donated some great gifts and provided discounts to show their appreciation for the work you do. Please find a list of our sponsors below. 

Be sure to come by our CUPE 4070 offices in YVR, YYC, and YYZ on May 31 to collect your swag! 

We will also be conducting a raffle using our membership list and a randomizer program to award items we’ve received from our sponsors! 
  

Our Sponsors 

Van Houtte Coffee is a Canadian company that is based out of Montreal with over 100 years in business. Some of their blends of coffee have not changed since the time of Albert-Louis Van Houtte! Van Houtte has sponsored this special day with providing 5 Keurig Brewers that will be raffled off. They have also donated hand sanitizer and partnered with Bigelow Tea and Master Chocolate to provide 2000 gift bags.  

Bigelow Tea is a family-owned business dedicated to producing a variety of fine quality teas, with a wide selection available including traditional, decaffeinated, green and flavoured teas. Bigelow has donated 4000 teabags. https://www.bigelowtea.com 

Master Chocolate owned by Bernard Callebaut who is a renowned Master Chocolatier, with four generations of experience behind him. Focused always on the balance of taste and style, fellow chocolatiers, chefs and gastronomes around the world revere him. Bernard Callebaut has donated 2000 chocolates. https://www.masterchocolat.com 

Step Up Comfort is providing gift cards, orthopaedics, bottle openers, can openers, compression stockings and several other items!  “When my beloved grandmother moved into a retirement home in 2015. I frequently visited her and spent time at the home, getting to know other seniors there as well. On a few occasions, I heard them complaining about swelling, bruises, and non healing wounds on their legs and feet and how painful it was to deal with. Some of them could not even walk because of the pain. Some of them have such extreme swelling known as lymphedema or another name “Elephantiasis”, they were confined to bed rest. At the same time, I was also dealing with varicose veins on my leg, and I knew the trouble they were going through. I wanted to do something to help them and suggested they try on compression socks.  

Lo and behold, many of them were able to ease their swelling and be more active and enjoy their day. It brought great joy to me to be able to help others have a better day and feel better. From there, I got a chance to work with a great company that had the same values and goals as me. We, Step-Up Comfort, have the pleasure of helping out many more people in all walks of life.”  

Our company started as a small local business right here in Calgary, Alberta. We started our mobile services which eventually secured office space, where we were able to help clients with orthopaedic footwear and other medical devices. We have now expanded across Canada with representatives in Vancouver and Toronto. 

With our amazing clients and the relationships we have established, other opportunities have presented themselves that have allowed us to serve additional clients in various industries including health care, airline, public/emergency services, and anyone requiring our services.  

In addition, we are an approved AADL vendor assisting clients residing in Alberta with a long-term disability, chronic or terminal illness with their medical supply needs.  

Our motto is “Medicine you wear” 

Website: www.StepUpComfort.ca 

Business #: 587-350-8976 

FB: @Step-UpComfort 

Instagram: step_up_comfort 

Email: Info@stepupcomfort.ca 

YYC Store: 405B – 9650 Harvest Hills Blvd. Calgary, AB T3K 0B3 (Located just 5 minutes from Calgary International Airport)

Mobile Fitters Coast to Coast: 

YYC - Office (587) 350-8976 
Heather (403) 473-8248 
YVR - Jessica (604) 377-2828 
YYZ -  Lauren (403) 669-3028 

We offer complimentary airport shuttles for our commuting clients, to and from our Calgary Office during regular business hours. Spots are limited and must be booked in advance. 

Scheduling an appointment is super easy!  

Simply visit: https://stepupcomfort.setmore.com 

Siesta Massage Therapy is owned by fellow WestJetter Rebecca Sarasin.  Rebecca is a WestJet Cabin Crew Member, Union Steward, and Registered Massage Therapist. Find her on Facebook or Instagram at Siesta Massage Therapy if you are ever in the Beaverton, ON area and looking for a massage. Rebecca is donating a Riemot luggage cup holder and a $25 Starbucks gift card to be raffled. 

Beaded Beginnings is a Canadian company owned by a registered nurse who started the business while on maternity leave. Starting this business gave her the opportunity to keep her hands busy and help deal with their post partum anxiety. Beaded Beginnings donated two gemstone hand beaded bracelets that are to be raffled.   

Instagram: @Beaded.Beginnings 

Fly Girl Sweet Treats is a Canadian company and owned by WestJetter Kendra Thibault. Fly Girl Sweet Treats specializes in Gluten free/Dairy Free floral Cupcake bouquets and boxes. They also offer Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Bouquet and boxes, smash boxes, cake pops and cakesicles. All items can made vegan as well. Kendra has donated baked goods that will be available at the YYC CUPE office. 

Instagram: @Flygirlsweettreats
Email: Flygirlsweettreats@outlook.com  

Prismatic Ash Soap Co. is a Canadian company that features handmade bar soap made using premium plant-based ingredients. Candles are made using a coconut soy wax. Members can access the online e-commerce store at www.PrismaticAshSoapCo.com.  

Prismatic Ash Soap Co. Is happy to provide an ongoing 15% off promotion  

Discount code: CREW15 

Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is Canada’s largest museum and an agency of the Government of Ontario. ROM was founded in 1914 art, culture and nature from around the world and across the ages. Among the top 10 cultural institutions in North America, Canada’s largest and most comprehensive museum is home to a world-class collection of 13 million artworks, cultural objects and natural history specimens, featured in 40 gallery and exhibition spaces.  

ROM provides an ongoing discount of 15% off admission with promotion code CUPE4070 

ROM has also provided two sets of tickets for general admission and all special exhibitions which will be raffled. 

Fair Grounds Coffee is a local business in Mississauga, Ontario. Fair Grounds Coffee has two cafes that welcomes you to enjoy their 100% organic, fair trade, grown without the use of pesticides.They roast all of our coffee in-house, to ensure freshness and a superior, rich flavour. They also do delivery of coffee! 

Fair Trade has donated a gift baskets. https://fairgroundscoffee.ca 

Steven Sarasin is a Realtor in Georgina, Ontario who’s awarded highly and is in the Top 35 under 35 at Royal Le Page.  

Steven has donated a gift card that will be raffled off.  

Heather Boutilier’s Tilted Veil is a Canadian company located in Guelph, Ontario. Tilted Veil is a fashion forward trendy chic bridal boutique that carries exclusive bridal gowns by Canadian and North American Designers as well as brides can design their own. Heather has donated two gift cards that will be raffled off.  

Pocket of Flowers is owned by Rokhsareh Feizi and is a Canadian company located in Kitchener, Ontario. 

Pockets of Flowers focuses on custom paper flower shadowboxes, wedding/party decor and other custom gifts. I’ve always had a love for crafts and wanted to challenge myself by creating artistic pieces that will bring people joy. I started this business from just flower shadowboxes and my passion grew from there.  

I created this paper flower shadowbox in honour of International Flight Attendant Day. We appreciate all your hard work and wonderful service. 

Please check out my page on Instagram @pocketsofflowers. You can also find my shop on Etsy under Pockets Of Flowers.  

Rita’s Kitchen is a Canadian business located in the heart of Vancouver and specializes in creating a luxury grazing experience with fresh, premium & locally sourced ingredients! 

We are giving away a small graze box (Feeds 2-4 people) Perfect for gift giving or even a date night in! The box is filled to the brim with an assortment of fresh fruits, vegetables, local artisan cheese, meats & so much more! Gluten Free & Vegan options available as well!  

Orders can be made online at: https://ritaskitchen.co/

Iinfinite Alchemy is a local business in Vancouver owned by Angeline. Iinfinite Alchemy is a crystal shop.

One of the goals when starting this business was to create a community and to always give back when I can. When I heard about this opportunity I knew I wanted to give back! So much has changed for so many of us during the last few years, flight attendants being a larger group of people who had to deal with more than I can imagine, this is just my small way of saying thank you!  

Items can be purchased via Instagram: @iinfinite.alchemy 

Iinifinite Alchemy has donated a small Buddha statue rose quartz, an angelite palm stone, and amethyst druzy heart carving. 

In Solidarity,
Your CUPE 4070 Executive Team
CUPE 4070 President, Crystal Hill
CUPE 4070 Vice-President, Alia Hussain
CUPE 4070 Secretary-Treasurer, Alex Grigoriev
CUPE 4070 Recording Secretary, Marco Di Virgilio
WestJet YVR Base VP, Chris Brewer
WestJet YYC Base VP, Brigitte Benoit
WestJet YYZ Base VP, Chantale Tremblay
WestJet Encore YYC Base VP, Colleen Tracey
WestJet Encore YYZ Base VP, Mauricio Mejia
Swoop Base VP, Allan Ramsarran

General Membership Meeting - May 31, 2022

Dear Members, 
 
As a reminder, the next CUPE 4070 GMM will take place as follows: 

Date: May 31, 2022 
Time: 11:00 PT / 12:00 MT / 14:00 ET 
Location: Virtual (Teams) 
 
The GMM will be followed by a Q&A session 

All Members in Good Standing (have signed a union card and paid the $5 initiation fee) are eligible to participate and must complete the following registration form: 
 

TO REGISTER CLICK HERE 

*Registration will be verified to confirm Membership status (In Good Standing) 

If you have not signed a union card and would like to participate, you can sign your card here. 

The Income Statement (2021-07-01 to 2022-05-15), previous GMM/SMM Meeting Minutes, and the Agenda have all been posted to the CUPE 4070 Members Portal landing page under "General Membership Meetings". 

If you have not registered for the Member Portal, please find instructions below: 

WESTJET 

WESTJET ENCORE 

SWOOP 

Your attendance is essential to conduct Union Business 

CUPE 4070 Bylaws - SECTION 5 – MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS 

(c) Quorum The minimum number of members required to be in attendance for the transaction of business at any General or Special meeting shall be forty (40) members, plus at least two (2) members of the Board. Should quorum not be obtained at any General Membership Meeting, the Board shall have the authority to conduct the business of the Local and will report at the next General Membership Meeting. 
 

In Solidarity,
Your CUPE 4070 Executive Team
CUPE 4070 President, Crystal Hill
CUPE 4070 Vice-President, Alia Hussain
CUPE 4070 Secretary-Treasurer, Alex Grigoriev
CUPE 4070 Recording Secretary, Marco Di Virgilio
WestJet YVR Base VP, Chris Brewer
WestJet YYC Base VP, Brigitte Benoit
WestJet YYZ Base VP, Chantale Tremblay
WestJet Encore YYC Base VP, Colleen Tracey
WestJet Encore YYZ Base VP, Mauricio Mejia
Swoop Base VP, Allan Ramsarran

New Uniform Reminder

Dear Members,

Your CUPE 4070 Uniform Committee has heard outstanding feedback from the Membership regarding the uniform fittings.  It is encouraging to hear so many positive comments regarding the new uniform.    

As the launch is quickly approaching, we want to reach out to all of you to make sure you place your orders as quickly as possible.  We are doing our best to help WestJet make this rollout as smooth as possible, and we want to make sure that everyone has their uniform by the launch date.  There is a deadline to place your orders to ensure you have your uniform for launch.
 

THE DEADLINE IS MAY 27

If you have not yet ordered your uniform, please make sure you attend a fitting, or use the online tools located on the Uniform portal via the company Sharepoint (Westnet).  If you are unable to order before the May 27 deadline, please contact your DPM as soon as possible, and copy your base VP in the email.  

Leadership will follow up with anyone who has not ordered by the May 27 deadline. 

As a reminder of some uniform standards for the new uniform:

SOCKS AND HOSIERY

Dress Socks

• Are to be worn with pants and may be navy, black or skin tone dress socks.

• Socks may feature a print/pattern that meets the parameters of appropriate and non-offensive found within the "Tattoo" section.

• Navy dress socks or skin tone hosiery is preferred.

Hosiery

• Must be worn with either the dress or skirt and may be worn with the pants.

• Skin tone hosiery is preferred: however, navy hosiery is also acceptable.

• Hosiery may be in any opacity.

FOOTWEAR

• Must be brown or navy. *Must only be navy if wearing a Lakes Collection dress or skirt.

• Leather: smooth leather, patent leather or synthetic leather that can be polished.

• Details: small, aesthetic detailing on the shoe is permitted (e.g. stitching, raised leather, pinpoint holes on the top of the shoe).

• Soles and heels: should be supportive and either navy, black, brown or beige in colour.

• Shoelaces: are only permitted with pants. They can be black or brown on brown shoes, or black or navy on navy shoes.

• Boots: ankle boots may only be worn with pants.

• Heels: are optional and may not exceed three inches (3"). Block heels are recommended.

• Professional in style, in clean and good repair (polished and free from scuffs or scratches).

• Shoes with mixed leathers in the same pantone will be permitted.

• Excessive additional adornments that are nonfunctional are not permitted (e.g. multiple extra zippers, buckles or gems).

• May have one single strap across the top of the shoe or a T-strap.

Galley shoes should be black or navy in colour and add safety as well as comfort to your duties. Galley shoes should have a non-slip grip, be closed toe, and be free from any additional adornments. Slippers and ballerina style flats are not permitted.

Encore Cabin Crew: During the season of inclement weather (October 1- March 31), boots may be worn at any time. When worn with the skirt or dress, boots must be navy in colour. It is recommended that the sole of the boot is not smooth and has the proper grip for winter purposes. Boots are permitted to have a black or navy stretch material at the back of the calves for fit; however, they should otherwise be smooth, patent or synthetic leather. Boots must sit within two inches (2”) of the bottom of your knees. A black, silver or brass zipper is permitted if its sole purpose is to aid in the donning/removal of the boot.

• If a boot is being worn with the pants, it must be either brown or navy and be able to fit beneath the pant without visible signs.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the uniform and how to order, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at uniforms@cupe4070.ca. 

Happy and safe flying, everyone!   

In Solidarity,

Your CUPE 4070 Uniform Committee

WS, YYZ, Mark Rose *Chair
WS YVR, Nick Lainas
WS YYC, Fabricio Loza-Albarado
WR, Kalliope (Kelly) Tasopoulou

April/May 2022 By-Election - Results

Dear Members,

The by-election for CUPE 4070 Vice-President and WestJet YYZ Base Union Stewards (4x) has now ended.

The results are as follows:
CUPE 4070 Vice-President

Alia Hussain 584 (42.1%) -Elected
Brigitte Benoit 551 (39.7%)
Rose Streete 253 (18.2%)

A total of 1388 Members in Good Standing participated in this by-election.

WestJet YYZ Base Union Stewards (4x)

Eco Dzaman 348 (23.5%) -Elected
Michelle Martell 312 (21.0%) -Elected
Maegan Mathys 308 (20.8%) -Elected
Destiny Earle 289 (19.5%) -Elected
Shaahin Ghazaghian 227 (15.3%)

A total of 371 Members in Good Standing participated in this by-election.


Thank you to all Members that too part in this by-election.



In Solidarity,
Marco Di Virgilio, Recording Secretary & Returning Officer - CUPE 4070