WR Base Vice Presidents' Update

As we begin the New Year, we face new challenges with the incoming integration of Sunwing flight attendants and the effect that will have on our operation and our seniority when flowing to WestJet.  The union is creating opportunities for us to be more involved in these discussions, but also, there are many positions within the union that are currently vacant. The roles do vary in time commitment and scope, so take a look at the bylaws or send Marcus (your Encore Base VP) an email if you are interested in becoming more involved (marcus.johnstone-mckinney@cupe4070.ca).   
 

Now is a great time to get involved in the union because we will be starting the process in the next year to bargain for our next collective agreement. This will be a large undertaking and the more people we have involved, the better we can represent our interests and improve our working conditions.   

Adrian’s Personal Base VP Update
 

I would like to take this opportunity to announce that I am stepping down as YYC Encore Base VP and resigning from WestJet Encore. I have been offered (and accepted) a new career opportunity and am very excited to start a new journey. 
 

I thank everyone here at Encore past and present, for making such a positive and profound impact on my life. I will remember my time as an Encore flight attendant fondly because of the fantastic people I met and the fun I had working alongside them. Whenever I hear the rumble of the Q overhead, I will think of the flight attendants on board and hope that there’s no turbulence and that they are having the most amazing pairing ever.   

Marcus will be taking over the WR YYC Base VP role in the interim, so please contact him at the above listed email.

-Adrian Dayrit 

Cancelled Townhall Q&A (Sept 20th)

Dear Members,

We have compiled the questions and provided answers to them below. Should you have any further questions please reach out to your Base Vice President.

Q1: When are we changing to the "real" seniority bidding system? 
 
A:  The policy grievances that were filed in 2022, are still in queue for arbitration and waiting to be heard by an arbitrator. While we wait, we have engaged the company and maintain our position that the system we have is not true seniority and what our membership is in need of. Any language we have surrounding a new PBS Seniority based scheduling system must be clear, concise, and direct. We will not accept language that is vague or gives the company the ability to not fulfill its promise of a true seniority system. 

Q2: When is next per-diem rate adjustment? 
 
A:  The Per Diem rate can be found in your respective Collective Agreement. 

Q3:  With the integration coming up, how will the MSL look? Are they going to be slotted at the bottom of the MSL? 
 
A:  Per the Interim Swoop Integration MOA, those that integrate are added to the bottom of the MSL. One of the many projects the Executive Board has been tasked with is addressing the integration of Swoop and the upcoming merger of Sunwing flight attendants and the impacts on seniority and our membership.  

Q4:  It’s been often observed since ratification where we do not have “adequate or specific language” in our Agreement, and the company has been able to take license to circumvent our intentions. We have CUPE National to guide us, and they are compensated through our dues. How are we going to ensure our next agreement leaves us better protected from non-specific wording that can be used against us? 
 
A:  While the Executives have been tracking areas of improvement identified, it will ultimately be up to our membership to complete the bargaining survey to give the bargaining committee the direction to take. If you haven’t already, we recommend keeping track of what you like and don’t like so it is easier to respond to the survey. Every submission matters. The Executive has heard loud and clear from the membership that vague language will not be acceptable for CA #2. 

Q5:  Will the Union be looking at the clause in our contract regarding modified (ad hoc) duties only being paid at 50%. For people on long term mod duties, this is quite a financial hardship but seems to be a benefit to the employer. 
 
A:  Unpaid Work Won’t Fly. Our compensation along with the other Canadian carriers agree that cabin personnel deserve to be compensated fairly and for their time at work. Any article in our Collective Agreement can be addressed, however with a monetary article such as 41-7, that will have to wait for collective bargaining which will begin for CA #2 in 2025. 

Q6:  Can the Union please make a video tutorial on the basics of Rainmaker. I also brought this question up at a previous Townhall. I don’t think many of us are looking for a super in-depth explanation of every element, but please can someone help me understand how to read this Rainmaker App so I know what my mid-month pay is going to be. Everyone I ask online seems to have little understanding of the App apart from checking to see if 14+ hr duty pay is loaded or how to check our Sick Day balance. Thank you! 
 
A:  The company has guides published on WestNet on how to use Rainmaker. If videos of the program are desired, this ask should be directed to the company who has implemented the use of Rainmaker and would be the subject matter experts. We suggest emailing your DPM with this request. 

Q7:  My Annual (and now separate First Aid) training dates are consistently moved 1 month ahead without my consent. When I try to move the date back to the original month I am told that I can only request to change it within the assigned month. How is it fair that WJ can change the month but CCM’s cannot. For me, it’s about childcare. 
 
A:  We have bargained language around this circumstance in our Collective Agreement that can be found in article 39-3.01. 

39-3.01 Notice will normally be provided to Cabin Personnel sixty (60) Calendar Days in advance of any month’s training events. A Cabin Personnel can request to change their annual/recurrent training dates by submitting the request up to the date of bids closing for the month in which training is scheduled. Approval of such requests will be based on operational requirements. 
 

Requests will be granted based on operational requirements. If you are having childcare issues with annual dates, please reach out to your DPM and inform them of the situation. They have the ability to help accommodate on case by case situations.  

Q8:  I want to know if CUPE will be creating a direct link form for ccms to fill out to send direct feedback about current articles in our agreement they feel need change. There is so much grey area and with negotiations coming up for our next contract we need to be able to compile/organize what needs to change and where people need to see change the most. This would be a easy Microsoft form for CUPE to create that could go directly to our representatives. 
 
A:  Members are welcome to email members of the Executive Board their suggested articles and changes as they track suggestions when received by members. However, it is important to note that the bargaining survey will be what gives the bargaining committee direction on what the local priorities are. Bargaining will begin in 2025. 

Q9:  Any word on Swoop being intergraded in terms of how that will look like seniority wise. Seems only right that they go to the bottom because when the “flowed” from swoop to WJ they lost their seniority. 
 
A:  Discussions on how seniority will look like after the integration of Swoop into WestJet, and Sunwing into WestJet are ongoing. For the mean time, as per the MOA, members will be added to the bottom of the MSL.

Q10:  During the next negotiations can the MSL be revised and corrected as what we voted for in the first place in 2020? 
 
A:  Construction of the MSL has been determined and a decision by the CIRB with complaints has been made. Currently the Executives are working to address the implications of integrating Swoop and Sunwing into WestJet and the impacts on the overall MSL.  Please provide bargaining ideas on the bargaining survey that will be released in 2025.

Q11:  Last July our schedule was delayed because of the company issues and we never got compensated? And this last week again we have a delay in vacation bids because of the company… will we ever be compensated for all those mistakes that do affect our work life? 
 
A:  Policy grievances are a lengthy process as they involve mediation and arbitration. Currently the average timeline is 2 years. Seeking an arbitrator with expertise in the aviation industry is challenging. Resolve for these situations do not always include financial compensation or penalty as resolve in grievances look at making members whole and must be reasonable. Vacation bidding was resolved by having the bids rerun to ensure they were awarded correctly. One thing as a local that we are committed to doing, is getting heard in front of an arbitrator at a much faster rate as currently the backlog from the pandemic has now shifted behind us and dates become more available. With that said, we are filing a grievance due to the breach of the Collective Agreement.

Your Local 4070 Executives:

President, Alia Hussain
Vice President, Tyson Conrod
Recording Secretary, Calvin Gautschi
Secretary-Treasurer, Alex Grigoriev

Swoop Base VP, Sherrie Moore
WestJet Encore YYC/YYZ Base VP, Adrian Dayrit
WestJet YEG/YVR Base VP, Chris Brewer
WestJet YYC Base VP, Brandy Whitby
WestJet YYZ Base VP, Bryan Hansraj

Systems Outage - Irregular Operations

Dear Members 

We have learned that the Company is experiencing an outage related to the Sabre system and possibly other systems. As a result, this could potentially lead to extended duty days. Anytime there is an IROP we would like to remind members of the following: 
 

34-11.04 Any duty period extension beyond the maximum listed in 34-11.02 and 34-11.03 above requires the consent of the Cabin Personnel. 
 

The Company MUST gain consent. Individual Crew Members have the right to determine whether they are willing to extend past this point. This is not a matter of fitness for flight, this is a matter of choice, and it is your right under the collective agreement. 
 

If you are not requested and do not wish to proceed – Contact Crew scheduling and advise them, you do not wish to proceed as per the article above.  You may also use the new Crew View messenger feature in the app. 
 

Please contact your Base VP if you believe you have experienced a violation of the above. Please include your pairing details (screenshot acceptable), timeline of events such as notification of delays, changes, crew scheduling calls, etc. 

YourCUPE4070Executive Team
CUPE4070President, Alia Hussain
CUPE4070Vice-President, Tyson Conrod
CUPE4070Secretary-Treasurer, Alex Grigoriev
CUPE4070Recording Secretary, Calvin Gautschi
WestJet YEG/YVR Base VP, Chris Brewer
WestJet YYC Base VP, Brandy Whitby
WestJet YYZ Base VP, Bryan Hansraj
WestJet Encore YYC/YYZ Base VP, Adrian Dayrit
Swoop Base VP, Sherrie Moore

Labour Day 2023

Dear 4070 Members, 

Your Executive wanted to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to each and every one of you for your tireless dedication and hard work as members of our local Union.  

We also wanted to take this time to reflect on Labour Day about the importance of the Labour movement and how workers like you have shaped our society and our workplace. Your commitment to advocating for fair labour practices, workers' rights, and the betterment of our unique profession is truly commendable. 

Participating in our Union's activities, rallies, town halls, and meetings has not gone unnoticed. Your contributions have made a significant impact, and your passion for improving the lives of Cabin Crew is inspiring.

This past year the CUPE Airline Division launched the #unpaidworkwontfly campaign to launch our own Labour movement to raise awareness and bring change to the archaic and exploitative compensation philosophies practiced in our industry. The turnout we saw at the airports during the #unpaidworkwontfly campaign was inspiring to witness and shows the true power we have as a Union to make change when we as a membership have said - "enough is enough!"  Just as the original Labour Day movement granted shorter work days and weekends for all, our campaign isn’t just for us, it’s for workers all over Canada to join in and tell their employers that working for free wont fly with their employees in 2023. 

“Labour Day is more than a holiday. It is a day to honor the workers and the entire Labour movement that helped shape Canada for the better. This is the movement that made weekends and lunch breaks a reality. It is the movement that created the working class we have today.” 

Today we pause to reflect on our simple message - one would think would not be needed at this stage of history:
 

When a Flight Attendant is at work, performing work-related duties - they should be paid.  

Thank you again for your dedication, hard work, and tireless efforts. It is a privilege to have such dedicated members in our union. Together, we will continue to make a difference and build towards better working conditions. 
 

Did You Know? The origins of Labour Day started in Canada back in 1872. You can read about it here

Your CUPE 4070 Executive Team
CUPE 4070 President, Alia Hussain
CUPE 4070 Vice-President, Tyson Conrod
CUPE 4070 Secretary-Treasurer, Alex Grigoriev
CUPE 4070 Recording Secretary, Calvin Gautschi
WestJet YEG/YVR Base VP, Chris Brewer
WestJet YYC Base VP, Brandy Whitby
WestJet YYZ Base VP, Bryan Hansraj
WestJet Encore YYC/YYZ  Base VP, Adrian Dayrit
Swoop Base VP, Sherrie Moore

Newsletter

Dear Members,

A few updates of significance: 

• Merger Seniority Discussions- The Executive met at the YYC office for two days of in-depth discussion to begin to unravel and map out the road that lies ahead and plan/strategize how we address the merger seniority scenarios we are faced with.   As a result of the complex nature of the scenario we face the Locals Executive Board authorized the following: 

  • The Local has secured and retained external Legal counsel from Calywrey Law firm in Ontario. We are very pleased to share that Michael Church has agreed to join our team and represent the interests of Cabin Crew of Local 4070.

  • Michael Church has an extensive amount of  Aviation experience in mergers/integrations/acquisitions notably that he had involvement in the Air Canada/Canadian merger amongst others.  He is considered to be an expert on these matters and we will be seeking consultation and guidance. 

• IHRs- We cannot stress the importance of documenting concerns from the line.  We have seen positive movement in the realm of Proactive Fatigue reporting whereby pairings were adjusted.  Please continue to report these pairings to the company.  Collective Bargaining is not intended to replace what our members deem to be unsafe working rules.  We each have a responsibility to self evaluate and report fit for duty.  

  • We encourage our CCM to be mindful of time.  IHRs can be qued while inflight - this best practice works to respect rest periods/time away from duty.  

• IHRs are our most under utilized tool.  We are a very large working group- power exists in our commitment to ensure we are reporting appropriately, respectfully and consistently to the Company.  Reporting supports your Union Executive in discussions to promote change in the organization.  Facebook remains an unrecognized reporting tool for both the Employer and the Union.  

Alia Hussain, CUPE 4070 President
 

C.A.R.D. Committee

National Day of Truth and Reconciliation 

As September 30 approaches, we must recognize the significance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This day is dedicated to honoring the children who never returned home and the Survivors of residential schools, along with their families and communities. It serves as a vital public commemoration to acknowledge the tragic history and ongoing impacts of residential schools, playing a crucial role in the reconciliation process.  We must come together to acknowledge the harm and trauma the residential school system caused to Indigenous People and communities, and that this harm and trauma continues to reverberate today. 

Johnathan Dyer, CUPE 391 Vice President and National Indigenous Council Co-Chair, shared his thoughts on the holiday: 

“September 30 is an opportunity to remember the children who never made it home from the residential schools, whether that was physically or spiritually. During my lifetime we have seen these institutions close their doors for good, people refusing to accept what happened and finally these atrocities coming to light for the wider public. When the first 215 children were revealed to the general public through ground penetration software, I had a co-worker state that they never knew children died in these schools. This is why we need days like September 30 to remind us all of the cost the country currently known as Canada came with, and to remember the children who returned to the ancestors too early.”  

Local 4070 recommits to the ongoing work of truth and reconciliation and stands with Indigenous communities as they continue to grieve the unjust losses within their communities, and the trauma that continues to be felt. 

On September 30, we encourage everyone to wear orange in solidarity with Orange Shirt Day, an Indigenous-led grassroots commemoration raising awareness of the inter-generational impacts of residential schools and promoting the concept that "Every Child Matters." Numerous activities will take place across the country, offering opportunities to commemorate the violent history and legacy of residential schools. Additionally, buildings, including Parliament Hill, will be illuminated in orange from September 30 at 7:00 pm to sunrise on October 1, symbolizing our commitment to honoring the Survivors and their communities. You can also join the national commemorative gathering, broadcast live from Parliament Hill on September 30, 2023. Let's stand together in support of Truth and Reconciliation. 

To order an orange shirt through the official supplier, please visit Orange Shirt Day Archives - Leading Edge Promo.  A portion of proceeds support the Orange Shirt Society. 

To learn more about National Truth and Reconciliation Day, or to learn what you can do as a union member to support truth and reconciliation, please reach out to the 4070 Committee Against Racism and Discrimination at card@cupe4070.ca. 

If you or someone you know is a residential school survivor, and in need of support, please call the Residential School Survivor Support Line: 1-866-925-4419 

Unpaid Work Won't Fly
 

The International Transportation Federation (ITF) was inspired by our Unpaid Work campaign. They are now collecting information from affiliates to see whether the pay structure we have is common around the world with other airlines and if this is an issue ITF should tackle.

WR Merlot
 

WR, before the end of the year, will be transitioning from their Merlot scheduling software system to Crew Trac and Flica.  This is great news and will provide improved functionality to CCMs.  Should you have further questions please reach out to your WR Leader.

WS Per Diem Calculations
 

Per Diem (41-11) is paid on TAFB, which starts at report and ends at release.  Yet for international rates you only start getting these higher rates on the ‘Out Event’ (MCD closed and park brake released) and ending at the ‘In Event’ (park brake set for last time or MCD open.) For example, if your pairing is YYZ-LAX, 24h layover in LAX, LAX-YYZ, report to departure in YYZ (roughly one hour,) and arrival back in YYZ to release (15 minutes) of your TAFB will be issued at the domestic rate and not the higher international rate. 

The Westjet Group calculates Per Diem by taking the previous year’s rounded number, to two decimal places, adds the 2% increase and rounds to the two decimal places again each year.  By doing this the 2022 North American and Standard/Domestic rates are 1 cent lower than if the raw numbers were used to calculate it.   

We brought this forward to the Employer and due to there being no language specifying the method, Management Rights dictate that the Employer has the freedom to decide how it is done, and the Union has no recourse to address the method outside of Bargaining.   

As we approach our next rounds of Bargaining, the Executive has made note to address per diem increase calculations in our bargaining proposal.  

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

Townhall - Informal 
September 20, 2023 1100PT/120MT/1400ET
Sign Up Here (Open to all Members)
Submit Questions Here

General Membership Meeting (GMM) 
November 8, 2023 1100PT/1200MT/1400ET - Sign Up Here
Open only to Members in Good Standing

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

**DO NOT USE YOUR WORK EMAIL ADDRESS**

Galley Gossip

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

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

Answer:  The Company has assured the Union there will be no job loss or layoffs as a result of the Merger of Swoop into the WestJet operations.  There are plans to begin hiring in January. 

Your Local 4070 Executives:

President, Alia Hussain
Vice President, Tyson Conrod
Recording Secretary, Calvin Gautschi
Secretary-Treasurer, Alex Grigoriev

Swoop Base VP, Sherrie Moore
WestJet Encore YYC/YYZ Base VP, Adrian Dayrit
WestJet YEG/YVR Base VP, Chris Brewer
WestJet YYC Base VP, Brandy Whitby
WestJet YYZ Base VP, Bryan Hansraj

WO Interim Integration MOA

Dear Members, 
 

We would like to inform the Membership that the Employer and Union have reached an Interim Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to allow for the integration of the Swoop Cabin Personnel into the WS Unit. The intention of this MOA is to lay out the framework for time sensitive elements of this transition. 
 

You can read the full MOA here.  

Please be advised this is an "Interim MOA" - it does not contemplate seniority in terms of the broader discussion that the Local Executive is currently engaged in. We will communicate further as information becomes available. 

Please reach out to your Base VP if you have any questions.

YourCUPE4070 Executive Team
CUPE4070 President, Alia Hussain
CUPE4070 Vice-President, Tyson Conrod
CUPE4070 Secretary-Treasurer, Alex Grigoriev
CUPE4070 Recording Secretary, Calvin Gautschi
WestJet YEG/YVR Base VP, Chris Brewer
WestJet YYC Base VP, Brandy Whitby
WestJet YYZ Base VP, Bryan Hansraj
WestJet Encore YYC/YYZ  Base VP, Adrian Dayrit
Swoop Base VP, Sherrie Moore

Extreme Temperature Campaign

Dear Members,     

The Occupational Health and Safety Committee (OHS) and Executive Team continue to hear your concerns about extreme cabin temperatures. Extreme temperatures pose health and safety risks to all of us and our guests. We appreciate that the Employer is engaged on this topic, however, with little progress on this issue it remains concerning, especially during the record high temperatures we are experiencing this summer. It is the Employer’s responsibility to protect its workforce, and the Union will continue to advocate for this on your behalf.   

In summer 2022 there were 120 reports regarding unsafe cabin temperatures.  In September 2022, the Employer had a working group looking into the root causes and corrective actions. To date, the only resolution communicated is to lower window shades and open the air vents, yet this does not address the larger concerns of extreme cabin temperatures. This project is still in progress and there will hopefully be additional direction from the Employer.  

On August 6th to 12th, the Union will distribute simple keychain thermometers in the bases (YEG, YHM, YVR, YYC, YYZ).  The thermometer will help you to provide data-based information in the IHRs and to make informed decisions. When attached to your luggage, it will be a reminder for oneself and your colleagues to submit IHRs on busy days.   This is not intended to be a precise piece of equipment.  

This will also be a great opportunity to engage with your Union about your rights under the Canada Labour Code, with respect to dangerous work. 

Recommended Actions while on Duty & Proactive Conversations:  

• Discuss during the Crew Briefing (mitigating strategies, is the APU or ground air being used) 

• Discuss effects of extreme cabin temperatures 

• Communicate with each other (CCM to CCM, CCM to Pilot, CCM to Guests, CCM to Airports/Ground Staff) 

• Onboard announcements to lower window shades and open air vents  

Should you experience an Extreme Cabin Temp-anytime the temperature registers below 18° C or above 29° C in the cabin or anytime temperature feels unsafe or unmanageable even within that range:

• Advise the Lead and/or Captain of the concerns

• Submit an IHR

  • The more detailed the better, such as the various stages of cabin temperatures and steps you took, ex. communicating with the Pilots. Please remember to document each occurrence even if it’s a recurrence. 

• Inform the Union, click here.  The more reports that your OHS Committee gets, the more power they have to continue to apply pressure on the Employer to resolve unmanageable circumstances

Please be advised that you have the Right to Refuse dangerous work if all these steps do not lead to a reasonable solution.  Please review the link here for the Right to Refuse dangerous work or Pamphlet here.

Newsletter

Dear Members,

It has been just over a month since I was elected to the role of Vice President/Lead Steward.  It has been a steep learning curve, but I am excited to continue working with the Executive Team, the Stewards, the Committees and the Members.

A sincere thank-you to Charles Brochu for his service to the Local and his dedication to the Members while he held the role. 

A quick update on what has happened in the Local in the last month:

CLC Sick/Personal Time Mediation
On July 5th WS YYC Base VP. Brandy Whitby, and I attended mediation on behalf of the Local about the changes to Sick and Personal Leave provisions in the Canada Labour Code.  (That’s why we were conspicuously absent from the Townhall.)  After the Local filed a Policy Grievance, the Employer requested we waive a Step 2 grievance hearing and proceed to mediation.  We are happy to have participated in a favorable mediation, which now sees our CA Sick and Personal Time Provisions brought up to the Code standards, without conceding any benefits for our Members. 

All sick time will now be front-loaded rather than accrued, with no loss of sick leave entitlements or to the maximum sick bank.  On August 1st, you will see the remainder of your 2023 sick time loaded into your bank, as well as three paid days of personal leave.  Please check to ensure yours is updated.

YWG Base Vacancy Bid
As a YWG commuter for the last 15 years, I’m excited to say the opening of YWG is in sight.  The base vacancy bid is now complete, and we expect the base to open in October of this year.  Due to Member feedback, we were able to get the Employer to extend the vacancy bid deadline until after the release of the Winter 2023 Schedule.  This allowed potential commuters to view the network and make a more informed decision.

E-Learning Audit
Due to Member feedback, we were able to get the Employer to conduct an audit on e-learning pay.  This audit found that over 950 members were underpaid for their 2022 e-learning. However it also found that approximately 150 members were overpaid for this same training.  The Employer will be contacting affected Members via email.

The Employer has agreed to more transparency and consistency of the e-learning process and how it is paid.  This is an important step to ensure that all of our members are being paid accurately as per the CA.

Note: the Employer has now run a second audit and informed the Union that no members are in an overpayment situation. We understand this process has been confusing and frustrating.  If you have any questions or concerns about e-learning or the audit process, please contact your direct Leader and copy your Base VP on the email

WR Flow and YYZ Base
We’ve heard a lot of concerns from our WR members around what flow will look like moving forward.  As per the Flow MOA, the Employer must offer a certain amount of flow spots per quarter, and the Employer has consistently offered spots above this requirement.  An additional WR flow class was added in August.
We will be conducting an election for WR YYZ Base VP in August.  Keep an eye on your emails for nominations. To sign up for CUPE emails click here (share with you Colleagues if they have not signed up).

Steward Chat
Having been a part of the CUPE 4070 Steward group since our certification, I know how dedicated and hard-working our Stewards are.  As Lead Steward, I’m committed to developing our Stewards as much as we can to ensure a long, healthy life for our Local.  On July 18, the Base VPs and I conducted our first Steward chat since my election.  I’m very excited to continue these chats monthly, and to offer the Stewards as many learning and education opportunities we can.  We have a really great team working for our Members!  There will also be Steward elections in August.

WO Integration
Talks with the Employer about integration continue, and we remain committed to communicating with the Members as information becomes available and shareable.  Our Integration Advisory Committee has been elected and will advise the Executive Team as their Unit ceases operation.  Congratulations to Vanessa Settimi, Jay Antflick, and Katie Taylor, and a huge thank you to all who ran!

Grievances
As Vice President, my main role is to oversee the grievance process and chair the Grievance Committee.  As always, grievances are being consistently filed by the Base VPs on behalf of our Members, with just under one hundred having been filed so far in 2023.
If you believe you have an experienced a violation of the CA, your first step is to have an informal conversation with your direct Leader.  Make sure that you copy your Base VP on all communications, and if your Leader is unable to resolve the issue, contact your Base VP to discuss the next steps. 
 
In solidarity,
Tyson Conrod, CUPE 4070 Vice President & Lead Steward

Uniforms Committee Update

We have an update on the Lake's Collection blouse, it is in the process of being wear tested. It will take some time to conduct the wear test and gather feedback from our fellow cabin crew members wearing them online.  Once we conclude this wear test, we will provide an update.

Winter wear puffer jackets are still on pre-order, and we anticipate that the jackets will arrive at Unisync in late August.  Once received, they will be mailed out to Cabin Crew Members' home address. 

If you have any questions or concerns regarding uniforms, please reach out - uniforms@westjet.com and uniforms@cupe4070.ca 

WR & WS Scheduling Dispute Forms

Please continue to submit scheduling disputes via the form on SharePoint. 
These are vital as we continue to engage with the Employer for a new Seniority Scheduling System. 
The form is on the WestJet Inflight SharePoint page.  Log into WestJet SharePoint>Department Sites>Operations>Inflight and scroll down the page to see WR and WS Dispute Forms.

Collective Agreement Familiarization

Please ensure you are familiar with your Collective Agreement.  It is the responsibility of Members to know your working rules.  Knowing your working rules=knowing your rights.  The Union is not able to help you if you do not help yourself.  

WR 38-5 & WS 38-6 Hotel Cancellation Payment- Will begin next year due to cancellation of the ACM policy. 

WR 34-24 & WS 34-27 Drafting: Should drafting occur, please self assess that you are fit for duty and communicate that to Crew Scheduling during the call.  Fit for duty assessment includes alcohol consumption cutoff times, fatigue etc. 

WO 36-2.03, WR & WS 37-2.03 Hotel Transportation: When transportation is not provided within 40 minutes after release time or within 10 minutes of scheduled hotel shuttle time from the hotel Crew Members will be reimbursed for the actual expense of the taxi/rideshare to/from the airport.  A receipt must be submitted. **WO FAs must contact Crew Scheduling first**

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

Townhall - Informal 
TBD Fall of 2023 1100PT/120MT/1400ET

(Open to all Members)
Submit Questions Here

General Membership Meeting (GMM) 
November 8, 2023 1100PT/1200MT/1400ET - Sign Up Here

Open only to Members in Good Standing

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

**DO NOT USE YOUR WORK EMAIL ADDRESS**

Galley Gossip

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

Galley Gossip: Hearing about à buy out possibility for top pay FA. ??? Rumours??thank you

Answer: That is currently just a rumour, the Union has not been approached on this subject. 

Galley Gossip: rumour...sunwing f/a's, some of which I know, are under the impression that they will be integrated into our seniority system and keep there present wages which in some cases is higher than ours... thanks

Answer: The Union's first priority is to determine WO's integration.  This will then lay the groundwork for Sunwing's (WG) integration.  Currently anything you hear regarding WG's integration is just rumours.  Only official emails from CUPE 4070 or from the Company should be given any merit.

On behalf of your Local 4070 Executives:

President, Alia Hussain
Vice President, Tyson Conrod
Recording Secretary, Calvin Gautschi
Secretary-Treasurer, Alex Grigoriev

Swoop Base VP, Sherrie Moore
WestJet Encore YYC/YYZ Base VP, Adrian Dayrit
WestJet YEG/YVR Base VP, Chris Brewer
WestJet YYC Base VP, Brandy Whitby
WestJet YYZ Base VP, Bryan Hansraj

ADCP-Harvard FA Health Study Phase 4

WS E-Learning Audit

Dear Members, 
 
Earlier this year, potential discrepancies in the pay for online training modules were brought to the Union’s attention by WS Cabin Crew Members (CCMs).  
 
Online and Company Required Out-of-Class Training  
WS CA 41-9.07: Online and Company required out-of-class training will be paid but not credited fifty percent (50%) of the completion time for Company required training. For clarity, a Cabin Personnel’s personal review and study time shall not be considered Company required out-of-class training. For the purposes of pay, the completion time of each course or work assigned will be based on the published completion time for that course. 
 
WS CCMs are to be paid 50% of the published completion times, and discrepancies were identified between the published completion times and what WS CCMs were paid. Over the past few months, CUPE has been engaged with the Employer to identify and rectify these concerns. It was discovered that the published completion times fluctuated between Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4, based on median completion times by WS CCMs when comparing the data from the previous quarter. The Employer agreed to run an audit on the 2022 online learning pay, which substantiated the concerns brought forward by Members.  
 
Over 950 WS CCMs were underpaid for online learning in 2022. The amounts varied from a few dollars to a few hundred. 
 
However, the audit also found that over 150 WS CCMs were overpaid for their online learning in 2022. As per the WS Collective Agreement, Repayment Schedule 42-2, those that are owed will be paid back, and those that owe will have to pay back. The Employer will be sending out emails to all affected WS CCMs.  
 
To prevent this problem in the future, CUPE and the Employer agreed that the published completion times would remain the same on the CCD throughout the year. This would not change, unless there is a significant update to the online learning. The CCD will reflect those times in that case.  
 
Your Union would like to thank each and every WS CCM that brought this issue to our attention. The errors would not have been caught if it hadn't been for your efforts and persistence. 
 
We would also like to highlight that any time there is a problem or issue (WO, WR, WS), please bring it forward to your respective WO, WR or WS Base Vice-President, through the proper channels, so we can work on a potential resolution like we have for the online learning payments. We achieved these results through the collaborative efforts of the Union's Members and your Executive Team. 
 
Contact your CUPE Representative here. 

President, Alia Hussain
Vice President, Tyson Conrod
Recording Secretary, Calvin Gautschi
Secretary-Treasurer, Alex Grigoriev

Swoop Base VP, Sherrie Moore
WestJet Encore YYC/YYZ Base VP, Adrian Dayrit
WestJet YEG/YVR Base VP, Chris Brewer
WestJet YYC Base VP, Brandy Whitby
WestJet YYZ Base VP, Bryan Hansraj

WO Integration Advisory Committee Vote Result

Good day Members,

Below is the vote result for the WO Integration Advisory Committee.  Thank you to all who participated.

ELECTION RESULT:

2x WO YHM/YYZ Integration Advisory Committee 105 (62.5%) of 168
Vanessa Settimi - READ MORE-87 (41.4%)
Jay Antflick-74 (35.2%)
Jessica Lockley-49 (23.3%)
 

ACCLAIMED:

1x WO YEG  Integration Advisory Committee
Katie Taylor - READ MORE

Electoral Officer: 
The Electoral Officer for this election will be Jael Gosselin, WestJet YYC Cabin Crew Member.

Returning Officer: 
The Returning Officer for this election will be Christine Weisner, WestJet YYC Cabin Crew Member.

Respectfully,
Calvin Gautschi
Recording Secretary - CUPE 4070

Elections July 2023 - Voting Package WO Integration Advisory Committee

Good day Members,

In this email, is the voting information for the WO Integration Advisory Committee. The voting link will be sent out once elections open (see below), and to eligible voters only.
 

ELECTION REQUIRED:

2x WO YHM/YYZ Integration Advisory Committee
Jay Antflick
Jessica Lockley
Vanessa Settimi - READ MORE
 

ACCLAIMED-NO ELECTION REQUIRED:

1x WO YEG  Integration Advisory Committee
Katie Taylor - READ MORE
 

Voting is open to Members in Good Standing only.

If you wish to become a Member in Good Standing, please sign a card and pay the $5 Membership fee (if you haven't already), this will begin the process and is completed at the next General Membership Meeting (GMM). SIGN A CARD HERE 

Your secure voting link will arrive via email from: vote@simplyvoting.com.

If you do not find your voting link in your email, please check your spam/junk folder.

If you are still unable to find the link, please email us here.

Please include your full name, airline unit and employee number in the email.

First Round Election Start: 
July 16, 2023 at 03:00PT / 04:00MT / 06:00ET 
First Round Election End: 
July 21, 2023 at 15:00PT / 16:00MT / 18:00ET

Electoral Officer: 
The Electoral Officer for this election will be Jael Gosselin, WestJet YYC Cabin Crew Member.

Returning Officer: 
The Returning Officer for this election will be Christine Weisner, WestJet YYC Cabin Crew Member.

Respectfully,
Calvin Gautschi
Recording Secretary - CUPE 4070

Unpaid Work Won’t Fly Update #2

Canadian Labour Code Changes

Dear Members, 

We are writing to update you regarding the Employer's known non-compliance with the amendments to the Canada Labour Code pertaining to Medical Leave with Pay and Personal Leave.

In December 2022, the Canada Labour Code was amended to include ten days of Medical Leave with Pay for all federally regulated employees, regardless of status (full-time, part-time, casual, etc.). With the implementation of Medical Leave with Pay came the qualifications amendment to Personal Leave, that Personal Leave cannot be taken for personal illness or injury.  This means that Personal Days (Personal Leave) cannot bededucted from your federally regulated sick bank (days of Medical Leave with Pay). 

For the last six months, the Employer has not been complying with the Code amendments and has been deducting personal leave from sick leave banks. This resulted in the Union filing Individual Grievances for the affected Members who have brought their issues forward to the Union. The Employer has denied those grievances. 

In response to this, your Union filed Policy Grievance WS-POL-2023-003 - Failure to Implement Sick Leave Provisions of the Canada Labour Code on June 22, 2023, at Step II of the Grievance Procedure. The Union and Employer agreed to waive the Step II Hearing and proceed to mediation, as the violations were established and clear. 

Additionally, the Union was made aware that Rainmaker is capping all Cabin Personnel's sick banks at the part-time maximum of 15 days.  This issue was escalated by the Union. The Employer indicated they are aware of the cap, that Crew Pay is tracking Cabin Personnel's accruals, and that the software update to address this cap was being held off until after mediation.

On July 5, 2023, your Union met with the Employer and Arbitrator William Kaplan to mediate the policy grievance filed in June. Led by YYC Base Vice-President Brandy Whitby along with Vice President Tyson Conrod, CUPE National Representatives, and CUPE National Legal Counsel, we weresuccessful in obtaining a favourable Memorandum of Settlement for Policy Grievance WS-POL-2023-003. 

Upon entering mediation, our position was clear – we were unwilling to agree to any concessionary proposals for compliance with the Code regarding changes to the maximumaccruals for sick time and sick bank maximum allotments. 

We are pleased to report that we were successful in attaining our original grievance asks and in attaining proposed language amendments that are significantly beneficial for Members. 

Of significance:

• On August 1, 2023, Cabin Personnel will be provided a new annual allotment of three paid Personal Leave days for their use in the 2023 calendar year, and all remaining sick day accruals for the 2023 calendar year will be placed into the active Cabin Personnel’s sick bank as an allotment (to a maximum of 22 days)
• Sick days will be front loaded at the beginning of the calendar year and no longer accrued (12 for active Full-Time Members and 10 for active Part-Time Members)
• The Sick Bank maximums remain the same (22 days for Full-Time Members and 15 days for Part-Time Members)
• Active Cabin Personnel will be entitled to three paid Personal Leave days reconciled outside of the sick bank
• Returning to duty from Personal Leave prior to the Release Time of an original pairing is protected within CA 34-23 - Return to Duty with Schedule Assigned (Not Including Sick Leave)
• All language pertaining to a “doctor’s certificate” has beenamended to a “health care practitioner’s certificate” - this provides greater scope of treatment providers that are nowable to provide a sick note/certificate, if required

The new language comes into effect on August 1, 2023, and the Company has advised the Union that a communication and referenceable material will be released in the coming weeks.

Your Union is committed to actively and fiercely fighting for your rights not only as bargained in the Collective Agreement, but as legislated in the Canada Labour Code by the Government of Canada. Our position remains the same - compliance with the Canada Labour Code is not optional, it is the law.

President, Alia Hussain
Vice President, Tyson Conrod
Recording Secretary, Calvin Gautschi
Secretary-Treasurer, Alex Grigoriev

Swoop Base VP, Sherrie Moore
WestJet Encore YYC/YYZ Base VP, Adrian Dayrit
WestJet YEG/YVR Base VP, Chris Brewer
WestJet YYC Base VP, Brandy Whitby
WestJet YYZ Base VP, Bryan Hansraj

July Newsletter

Topics in this Newsletter:
President's Updates
Return to Work Committee Update
Bringing a Guest on a Layover
Importance of Documentation
Shift Trades
Save the Dates
Galley Gossip

President's Update

Dear Members 

A quick update on the past month inside the local;

• Union Grievance Management Software- We have spent the past several months researching union management software programs. Over the past month we have met with various software providers looking for a replacement program for our internal database management that is no longer being supported and is obsolete. We looked at several providers across Canada and the US. We are hoping to make a decision soon – and will share the outcome with the Membership! This is a critical piece to our operations as grievance and database management are at the core of the work we do and are critical to having internal organization and flow for this Local in the years to come.  

• Cabin Crew Jump Seat Agreements- We were advised by Air Transat that the company has chosen not to pursue the agreement at this time. We are disappointed to hear this and will continue to advocate for this from our employer and the other companies as this is something that we believe our members should have access to. CALM Air is currently in active discussions with the organization for a CCM arrangement and we will communicate once we have more information. Air Canada is another one we pursued but they had no interest at this time.  

• Townhall- We thank all those who participated in the Townhall. The video is now posted on the CUPE website. Thank you to everyone who submitted questions in advance. The Executive Board is meeting next week to discuss our next date and will share that information soon!  

• Special Membership Meeting- Thank you for your participation in the Special Membership Meeting. The participation of our members allowed us to stand up a committee to ensure our members' voices are appropriately and meaningfully engaged in decisions that have direct impact on them! If you wish to view the video, please log onto the CUPE website.  

• #Unpaidworkwontfly Campaign- Thank you to all those who participated and shared in the petition.  16998 signatures received! The next step is the House of commons has 45 days to respond to the petition- if the House is not in sitting upon the due date, they must respond to our petition at the next sitting. Those who participated in the petition will receive the response via email. The Airline Division Council of Presidents (ADCP) will meet next in September to plan our next step to our campaign. Please stay tuned. 

• WO Integration- We are actively engaged with the Employer discussing the WO merger. Our WO Integration Advisory Committee will be stood up around July 22, 2023, and we will hit the ground running – working on getting feedback. We remain committed to keeping our Membership informed in a timely manner.  

• WS Collective Bargaining 2025 - CA2 - We have added a count down timer to the website for when the various Collective Agreements expire.  We ask our Members to begin to contemplate what our priorities should be.  Please consider keeping notes on things that arise out of our current CA that you believe should be addressed.  Internally we have begun to lay out our strategic plan.  #beready #ourturn2025

Alia Hussain 
CUPE 4070 President 

Return to Work Committee Update

Please click here for the RTW (Return to Work) Committee update

Bringing a Guest on a Layover
 

Happy summer from your Hotel and Transportation Committee. With the season underway, we'd like to take a moment to remind everyone about the policy regarding bringing a guest in Company Transportation to/from hotels. 
 
All requests must be made using the form on our Company issued device (iPad) and approved through Crew Accommodations. The permission to allow guests to ride along in the shuttle doesn’t reside with the Captain or Cabin Manager / Lead, nor the individual driving the van. 
 
The reasons this form exists are numerous including implications around vehicle size, contractual agreements, insurance coverage, safety and approved capacity of seats for crew comfort. Additionally, some countries/destinations require specific guest manifests that can be verified by that region's police at any time. If the manifest doesn’t match the riders, the transportation company and the driver can be penalized financially, or more severe consequences can occur.  

Lastly, some companies simply choose not to offer the ability to bring an additional guest and therefore are not included on the form list. 
 
Please ensure you are following the documented process as outlined in Company communications. It can be unfair to Crew Members who did follow the process and may or may not have been granted approval to bring their guest to have others show up unannounced. This ability, when available, is a perk to all Crew and we'd like to continue offering it in the future, and not have it taken away from us. 
 
Thank you and happy flying!
Your CUPE 4070 Hotel and Transportation Committee

Importance of Documentation

Completing an IHR and sending a copy to your DPM and Union Representatives is an important step to actioning change. It establishes documentation of the issue, and the Company cannot claim they were unaware of the issue.

For example, reporting safety issues such dirty ovens or extensive duty days due to schedule construction. Sharing this documentation with the Union is vital so that it can be followed up with by the appropriate committees such as Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), Base Vice President and the Executive Board.

This data is important to the Union to document issues and build our data to bargain for better working and living conditions.
 
To contact the Union got to www.cupe4070.ca/contact

Shift Trades

Shift Trade reminders, if you are giving away a partial shift trade, please indicate it in the comments section.  As once a pairing is split, the split portion can be traded without the other person knowing it was a shift trade and that they will not be paid any Trip RIGs.  Please provide this courteousey to your fellow Cabin Crew Members and take care of one another. 

WS CA 34-20.04 & WR CA 34-17.04:The MDPC will not be applied to any duty period which was shortened as a result of a partial Shift Trade. The Trip RIG will not be applied to any pairing which is modified as a result of a partial Shift Trade.

Save the Dates
 

Special Membership Meeting (SMM)
July 4, 2023 

To view the meeting minutes and video recording, please log into the CUPE website, once logged in, on the right side lower down click the button 'Previous GMM/SMM/Townhalls'

Townhall - Informal 
July 5th, 2023 

To view the video recording, please log into the CUPE website, once logged in, on the right side lower down click the button 'Previous GMM/SMM/Townhalls'

General Membership Meeting (GMM) 
November 8, 2023 1100PT/1200MT/1400ET - Sign Up Here

Open only to Members in Good Standing

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

**DO NOT USE YOUR WORK EMAIL ADDRESS**

May 2023 GMM video recording and meeting minutes is on our website, after you have logged in, you can click here for quick access.

Galley Gossip

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

Galley Gossip: As released in the WestJet Live event on June 15, it was shown that the MAX-10 will not have a mid-cabin lav so that more seats can be fit in the cabin. The lineups for the lavs are already horrible. What can be done about this?

Answer: The Union can only enforce what is in the bargained Collective Agreement and what is in the Canadian Labor Code.  Please provide this feedback to the Employer via the appropriate reporting channels.

Galley Gossip: Crew Meals- Can we get crew meals on US flights? It's so hard to pack food when the US & CAD agriculture directives keep changing and varies from one airport to another. Also some of our '37 flights are the same stage length as '87 flights that receive crew meals so perhaps that could be revisited as well. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Answer: The Employer only desires to do monetary bargaining at the designated bargaining time.  The current Collective Agreement expires Dec.31, 2025.  Each September non-monetary items can be bargained, keeping in mind, many things will have a monetary side, due to labor or implementation on the Employer side. 

Galley Gossip: Swoop fa’s are being told by pilots that were going to lose our jobs when the companies “merge”? Is there any truth to this?

Answer: The Employer has advised that no one will lose their jobs due to the merger of Swoop (WO)

On behalf of your Local 4070 Executives:

President, Alia Hussain
Vice President, Tyson Conrod
Recording Secretary, Calvin Gautschi
Secretary-Treasurer, Alex Grigoriev

Swoop Base VP, Sherrie Moore
WestJet Encore YYC/YYZ Base VP, Adrian Dayrit
WestJet YEG/YVR Base VP, Chris Brewer
WestJet YYC Base VP, Brandy Whitby
WestJet YYZ Base VP, Bryan Hansraj

Swoop Integration Advisory Committee Election

Good day Members,


Thank you for all who attended the SMM and participated in the vote to have your voice heard.

We are running an election for the Swoop Integration Advisory Committee.  This will consist of one member from each city (1xYEG, 2xYHM/YYZ).

Please review the Committees role here.

If you have questions please reach out to CUPE here.  
 

The following is an outline for this Election:
Nominations Open: 
July 4, 2023 at 10:30PT / 11:300MT / 13:30ET 
Nominations Close: 
July 9, 2023 at 14:00PT / 15:00MT / 17:00ET 
Nomination Acceptance Due: 
July 14, 2023 at 14:00PT / 15:00MT / 17:00ET 
Resume/Info Sheet Due: 
July 14 2023 at 14:00PT / 15:00MT / 17:00ET 
First Round Election Start: 
July 16, 2023 at 03:00PT / 04:00MT / 06:00ET 
First Round Election End: 
July 21, 2023 at 15:00PT / 16:00MT / 18:00ET

Only Members in Good Standing can be nominated and can participate in the voting process.
If you are not a Member in Good Standing, to begin the process, click here.

After all steps are completed, the final step is finished at the next GMM, which occurs every May and November. 

If you are unsure if you are a Member in Good Standing, inquire here.

Notes:

• The nominator must discuss the nomination with the nominee and both must be Members In Good Standing.

• DO NOT submit multiple nominations for the same person.

• You cannot nominate yourself. 

For more information regarding the roles and expectations, please consult the bylaws. 

To fill out nomination forms please: click here

All nomination forms that have been submitted receive an automatic reply right a ways.  If you did not receive an automatic reply, please check your junk folder.  Submit again if you did not get an automatic reply. Email inquiries to the Returning Officer below. 

Nomination Acceptance
All Members who have been nominated will be sent an email asking if they will allow their name to stand on the ballot and to accept the nomination.

If you have been nominated for a position, please monitor your email including your spam/junk folders 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 to view.

Nominees must send their resume/info sheet in PDF format only.

You can start creating your resume/information sheet ASAP. 

Please Do Not:

• Submit large file resume/info sheets (under 1,000kb only)

• Use company logos 

• Provide any information you don’t want public 

Electoral Officer: 
The Electoral Officer for this by-election will be Jael Gosselin, WestJet YYC Cabin Crew Member.

Returning Officer: 
The Returning Officer for this election will be Christine Weisner, WestJet YYZ Cabin Crew Member.

Respectfully,
Calvin Gautschi
Recording Secretary - CUPE 4070

Special Membership Meeting (SMM)

 

Hello WO, WR and WS,  
 

The Executive Board of CUPE Local 4070 is giving notice for a Special Membership Meeting (SMM) as per Section 5(b) of the Bylaws. Please be advised: 

DATE: July 4th, 2023 

TIME: 0900PT/1000MT/1200ET  

LOCATION: Virtually via Microsoft Teams. 

SUBJECT TO BE DISCUSSED: To establish a temporary Committee named “The Swoop Integration Advisory Committee” and to approve new Members into Good Standing. 
 
AGENDA: 
1. Approving new Members to be Members in Good Standing 
2. Approval for the setup of a committee; Swoop Integration Advisory Committee. 

Please see complete agenda HERE 

SIGN UP HERE: Open to Members in Good Standing and Members who applied to be a Member in Good Standing. 

If you are not a Member in Good Standing, as per Bylaws Section 3, and wish to apply, please fill out the application form here by July 3rd, 1200PT/1300MT/1500ET. (If you have not paid the initiation fee, that will be required as well, which is $5) 

If you do not know if you are a Member in Good Standing, please contact your Base Vice President here. 

**Please note when you log into the meeting, your full name and employee number must be visible.  If it is not visible, we do not know who you are and you will not be let into the meeting. ** 

Please be patient as it can take several minutes to verify and admit everyone into the meeting.

For example, WestJet Members: 

WS 29902 Bryan Hansraj 

For example, Encore Members: 

WR 32168 Adrian Dayrit  

For example, Swoop Members: 

WO 800278 Sherrie Moore 

QUORUM: Your attendance is pivotal to decision making at our local. Quorum is the required number of attendees so that the meeting can take place. Quorum at Local 4070 per the Bylaws, is a minimum of 40 members plus at least two members of the Exectutive Board.  

Q & A

Please review the Q & A below. There will be more information shared at the SMM. As well as an opportunity for discussion on the Committee. 

Why such short notice for an SMM? 

The Union has been advised by the Company that they would like to start the integration as soon as late July or early August. This means contractual details need to settled in an expeditious manner.  

Additionally, the Bylaws share that the local needs to give the membership 24 hours notice of an SMM.  We are getting this out to the Members ASAP to allow for more notice. We remain committed to sharing details as soon as they become available, so we have been working around the clock to sort out what the Company's plans are and working to determine the best course of action on behalf of the impacted groups.  

Can we discuss other things on the agenda?  

A Special Membership Meeting (SMM) can only discuss what is on the agenda as per the Bylaws. There can be no other new business added. if you would like to have a broader discussion, please attend the Townhall meeting scheduled for the next day (July 5th). Please sign up here. 
(Questions can be submitted in that link as well, to be answered during the Townhall)

What is the role of the “Advisory Committee”? 

The Executive Board is committed to having the Memberships consultation on this matter as this is a significant moment in history for our WO Membership, the closing of Swoop. The Committee's scope will be to advise the Executive Board on matters related to their integration into WS.
Ex. vacation remaining, sick days, rates of pay, and other important rights afforded to them under the WO Collective Agreement. 

Will this Advisory Committee deal with the issue of seniority? 

No. The issue of seniority is a much larger conversation that is not decided by one Unit. The Union is working on the matter of seniority and will advise the Membership of its next steps once we have established what our plan of action on this matter is. We recognize and understand the importance of seniority to all groups and are committed to giving the subject matter the attention it deserves as a stand-alone item.   

What happens if we don’t establish quorum?  

If we do not establish quorum, the Local will then move to an appointment process of the Advisory Committee, as this committee is essential to ensure our WO Members’ voice is included in the process of their integration into WS.  

The Board firmly believes WO’s input is essential when integrating and believes the WO Membership should be able to vote on who represents their interests. However, if we are unable to establish this at an SMM, the President can stand up a committee and appoint. This is supported the language in CUPE National Constitution B.3.1. 

In a continued effort to engage our WO Members input, we will email our WO Members advising them of an opportunity to participate in the Committee. The Members may then fill out an expression of interest and the appointment will be done by a randomized draw process. More details to follow.  It is our preference to go the election route rather than appointment. 

On behalf of your Local 4070 Executives:

CUPE 4070 President, Alia Hussain
CUPE 4070 Vice President, Tyson Conrod
CUPE 4070 Recording Secretary, Calvin Gautschi
CUPE 4070 Secretary-Treasurer, Alex Grigoriev

Swoop Base VP, Sherrie Moore
WestJet Encore YYC Base VP, Adrian Dayrit
WestJet YEG/YVR Base VP, Chris Brewer
WestJet YYC Base VP, Brandy Whitby
WestJet YYZ Base VP, Bryan Hansraj

Unpaid Work Won’t Fly

Election Results June 21, 2023

Good day Members,

Below you will find the election results.  Thank you to everyone one who participated.

ELECTED POSITONS:
 

1x CUPE 4070 Vice President 1325 (43.4%) 
Tyson Conrod - READ MORE 613 (46.3%)
Colleen Tracey - READ MORE 459 (34.6%)
Meghan Gulliver - READ MORE 253 (19.1%)Electoral Officer: 
The Electoral Officer for this by-election will be Jael Gosselin, WestJet YYC Base Cabin Crew Member.

Returning Officer: 
The Returning Officer for this election will be Jay Heethuis-Dubois, WestJet YYC Cabin Crew Member.Respectfully,
Calvin Gautschi
Recording Secretary - CUPE 4070

Message from the President

Dear Members, 

I am writing to address an important matter that affects our union and members directly. As you are already aware, the bargaining negotiations with the Pilot group resulted in the integration/mergers of two of our own units.  This is in addition to the recently announced merger with Sunwing, following the purchase of that airline by WestJet.  These announcements will result in significant changes in our industry's landscape. Mergers in our industry are common.  Simultaneous mergers on the other hand, are not common and so it is essential for us to closely examine the terms of each merger, scrutinize the legalities involved, and advocate for the preservation of your collective agreement rights! 

While these mergers appear as identical process, it is crucial to recognize that there are differences in the context and jurisdiction of each merger. These disparities can have far-reaching consequences on our collective agreement rights if we do not take the time to fully explore the implications. Our duty, as your representatives, is to safeguard and uphold your rights.  

Naturally, these changes have created uncertainty and anxiety for all members.  However, I want to emphasize the detrimental effects of misinformation and speculation during times of uncertainty. In situations like these, misinformation can spread rapidly, leading to unnecessary confusion and anxiety among our members. It is important to remember that rumors and hearsay can often be misleading and inaccurate. Therefore, I urge each and every one of you to rely solely on official union communications for accurate information regarding the mergers and their implications. 

As your union President, I want to assure you that we are actively examining the terms of each merger, scrutinizing the legalities involved, advocating for the preservation of your collective agreement rights, and engaging in discussions with the employer. Our primary goal is to protect the interests and well-being of our members during this transitional period. We are committed to advocating for your rights, preserving job security, and ensuring fair working conditions. 

Throughout this process, transparency and open communication will remain a top priority for us. We will provide updates on the progress of negotiations, any significant developments, and any potential changes that may affect our members. Please remember to trust only official union communications and disregard any unfounded rumors or speculations that may circulate. 

We encourage you to participate actively, share your thoughts, and raise any issues that you believe require our attention. Your input and engagement are invaluable as we navigate through these challenging times together. Please use the contact form on the website to share feedback with your Locals Executive Team. 

With your continued support and solidarity, we will overcome the obstacles that may arise from these mergers. Our collective agreement rights are non-negotiable, and we will fight to ensure they are upheld throughout this process. 

Thank you for your trust in our union. With your support, we will emerge from this period stronger and more resilient than ever before. 



Respectfully,

Alia Hussain
Local 4070 - President. 


Your CUPE 4070 Executive Team
CUPE 4070 President, Alia Hussain
CUPE 4070 Vice-President, Charles Brochu
CUPE 4070 Secretary-Treasurer, Alex Grigoriev
CUPE 4070 Recording Secretary, Calvin Gautschi
WestJet YEG/YVR Base VP, Chris Brewer
WestJet YYC Base VP, Brandy Whitby
WestJet YYZ Base VP, Bryan Hansraj
WestJet Encore YYC Base VP, Adrian Dayrit
WestJet Encore YYZ Base VP, Vacant
Swoop Base VP, Sherrie Moore