ADCP Update: Union Drive of Porter Airlines

As you may already know, CUPE is currently working to unionize the flight attendants at the last remaining non-unionized major airline in Canada - Porter Airlines.

The Porter union drive is underway and hundreds of flight attendants have already signed their cards to join CUPE and become part of Canada's flight attendant union.

Unionizing flight attendants at Porter will help us raise the floor and improve standards for all flight attendants across the industry, and strengthen our collective voice at bargaining tables across the country.

CUPE's Airline Division stands in full support of the drive to bring the protection and benefit of union membership to Porter flight attendants.

We are now calling on our locals and our members to help us expand the reach of this campaign, by encouraging your members to get more information about the drive and get involved at porter.cupe.ca.

If you know a flight attendant at Porter, you can reach out to them to tell them about the difference a union can make in improving their wages and working conditions. They can take the first step by signing their card to join CUPE at porter.cupe.ca.

Together we can help bring this union drive across the finish line.

WR ALPA Pilots Bargaining Update

Dear Members, 
 

We share this update with you as we stand in solidarity with WestJet Encore MEC ALPA as they are at the table bargaining their second contract with the Company. We continue to stand in solidarity with our fellow Union groups at the Company and share this update with you to provide insight on the bargaining process. Learning about bargaining and how our Company responds to its Union groups is valuable to us as we will soon find ourselves at the bargaining table in 2025. 
 

WR ALPA PILOTS BARGAINING UPDATE: CLICK HERE

 
To stay in the know with CUPE 4070 communications, stay subscribed to our eNewsletters and our social media accounts on Instagram and Facebook.

Volunteering this Holiday Season

Dear Members, 
 

Thank you all for your dedication and commitment, particularly as we approach the busy holiday season. The Company recently posted a request for volunteer support at the airports during this period, and we understand the admirable desire to assist and show support for other bargaining units during this festive time. 
 

However, we wish to encourage our Membership that if anyone intends to volunteer during the holiday season, it would be more beneficial to consider contributing within their own communities and charitable organizations. While we recognize and share the passion for our guests – especially during this festive period – the recent company request for volunteer support does raise some concerns. 
 

We want to underscore the significance of preserving the distinct roles and agreements within different bargaining units. Several members have expressed concerns about potentially volunteering for tasks that might belong to different bargaining units, such as undertaking responsibilities like pushing wheelchairs and other related Customer Service Agent (CSA) duties.  
 

Ensuring that tasks align appropriately with respective roles and agreements is pivotal in maintaining the integrity of our bargaining units. While the spirit of camaraderie and support is highly commendable, it is equally crucial to uphold the boundaries and responsibilities delineated within our agreements. 
 

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this matter. Your dedication to maintaining the integrity of our roles within respective units is vital as we navigate through this busy season. 

Thank you for your ongoing support and dedication 

#unpaidworkwontfly 
#12daysofunpaidchristmas

Travel Safely: Advice & Tips from Your Health and Safety Team

Dear Members,

In the current landscape, finding absolutely safe destinations can be challenging. However, don’t let this deter you from enjoying your overnights. To ensure a safe experience, it's crucial to take some precautions and be prepared. 

Safety Measures at Home: 

• Keep Documentation Secure: Have a scanned copy of your passport saved in your email or on a secure platform. Inform family or friends about your whereabouts during your pairing. 

• Research: Before your pairing, research your destination. Check for safety concerns or travel advisories on Aviation security portals like Comply 365. Follow company advice and guidelines. 

Safety Measures During Travel: 

• Planning: Map out your itinerary and research the safety of your destination. Consider using reliable sources like travel guides, blogs, news sites, and advice from experienced travelers or hotel staff. 

• Guided Excursions: Opt for recommendations from the hotel for excursions. While they may cost more, these recommended services are likely to maintain professionalism to uphold their relationship with the hotel. 

Additional Safety Tips: 

• Inform Others: Share your plans with Cabin Crew members and someone back home. This ensures someone knows your whereabouts in case of an emergency. 

• Night Safety: Avoid venturing out alone at night. Explore during the day and stay close to the hotel or with other Cabin Crew members after dark. 

• Blend In: Respect local culture by dressing appropriately. Avoid flashy displays of expensive items like cameras or smartphones. 

• Alcohol Consumption: Exercise caution with alcohol consumption. Drink responsibly and limit intake to ensure your safety and return to the hotel. 

• Mindful Communication: Refrain from oversharing details about being flight crew with strangers, as this might make you a target. Exercise caution in your interactions and meetings. 

• Trust Your Instincts: Always trust your instincts. If a situation feels uncomfortable or unsafe, leave immediately. Appear confident even if you feel uncertain internally. 

12 Days Of Christmas - Unpaid Work Won’t Fly - ADCP

Canada's flight attendants launch "12 Days of Unpaid Work" series to kick off busy holiday travel season

The union representing flight attendants across Canada has launched a "12 Days of Unpaid Work" series in advance of the busy holiday travel season, to highlight the myriad ways flight attendants are forced to work for free for major airlines.

You can view the series here.

"All we want for Christmas this year is pay for time worked," said Wesley Lesosky, President of the Airline Division of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents 18,500 flight attendants at ten airlines in Canada. "Airline executives across Canada need to know that forcing overworked flight attendants to work unpaid for almost a full work-weekevery month is a one-way ticket to the naughty list."

The series is part of CUPE's Airline Division's Unpaid Work Won't Fly campaign, a joint effort of ten airline groups to combat the abuse of unpaid work in the airline sector which sees the average flight attendant work 35 hours per month unpaid.

As a general rule, flight attendants are only compensated while the aircraft is in motion – which means countless duties ranging from pre-flight safety checks to boarding, to deplaning, to customs and security are not paid. Learn more at unpaidworkwontfly.ca.

International Human Rights Day

Dear Members, 
 

As we approach December 10th, International Human Rights Day, we wanted to take a moment to shed light on the importance of this global observance. 
 

This significant day commemorates the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948. The declaration proclaimed the inalienable rights entitled to every human being, irrespective of race, color, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, or other status. 
 

It serves as a powerful reminder of the need to continuously advocate for principles of equality, justice, and dignity for all individuals worldwide. Human Rights Day symbolizes hope and solidarity, urging us to uphold human rights universally and address the challenges that persist. 
 

Recognizing the progress made in advancing human rights is crucial, yet there remains much work to be done. Each of us is called upon to contribute to a world where human rights are respected and safeguarded in every facet of society. 
 

At CUPE Local 4070, our steadfast commitment remains unwavering in championing human rights, fostering inclusivity, and supporting initiatives that promote diversity and equality. 
 

Thank you for your shared dedication to this noble cause. 
 

Executive Board Local 4070  

Hotel and Transportation Committee Updates

Dear Members, 
 

Please see find attached 2023's final update from the Hotel and Transportation Committee.

WestJet Encore (WR) Please Click Here

WestJet (WS) Please Click Here

Election Results, Voting Round 2, December 8, 2023

Good day Members,

Below you will find the election results for round two of voting.  A big Thank You to all who put their names forward to run and Thank You to everyone one who participated and voted.

ELECTED POSITONS:
 

1x CUPE 4070 Trustee (2023-2026)
Meghan Gulliver - 56.3%
Marla Grimmeyer - 43.7%

1x WS YYC Health & Safety Committee
Kruti Sutaria - 56.7%
Meghan Gulliver - 43.3%

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 Colleen Tracey, WestJet YYC Cabin Crew Member.Respectfully,
Calvin Gautschi
Recording Secretary - CUPE 4070

Importance of IHRs

Dear Members,
 

We’d like to take the time to remind you of the importance of submitting reports to the company for further investigation. Submitting IHR’s can be taxing and feel as if “nothing ever changes. What’s the point of submitting?”. We get it. But that belief is actually incorrect. Your OHS team alone receives tons of emails a month for safety related issues, and we can use this data to help make changes within the company. The amount of IHR’s we receive is not nearly close to how many incidents happen without being reported.  

Unfortunately, without these reports your OHS committee and union do not have a leg to stand on. Things like the last row of seats, bathroom lines, faulty equipment, etc. all need to be reported. If the company is not made aware of these issues, they will continue business as usual because they do not have any supporting data showing we have nowhere to sit during turbulence, or that the bathroom lines are an actual issue.  

A good tip for reporting is to write it up while you’re on duty, as close to the moment as you can. That way the incident is fresh in your mind and you’re less likely to leave out details, no matter how small. Every single detail helps us build a case for the company and why things need to change. For example, any time we hit turbulence and you have nowhere to secure yourself, write that up. Anytime you cannot complete service due to weather or bathroom lines, write that up. This allows us to advise the company on what is and is not working within our day-to-day operations.  

Unsure on how to write an IHR? Your CCD has an e reporting app that will take you through the steps of what information is needed. There is a lot of required info that may not seem necessary, but anything like tail number or flight information helps us to track how often these issues happen with specific planes or flight segments. Unsure what to write? IHR’s should not contain any emotion or feelings unless it directly relates to the incident. Every big or small detail is best that way we can capture the whole picture. Still unsure how to go about writing an IHR? There are peer support mentors in the crew rooms or online available to assist you! Search “Peer Support Mentors” on your CCD for hours and crew rooms. 

We would like to give a big thank you to all who are submitting reports. We have received a huge influx of reports in the last month. Great job everyone, please keep filling our inboxes! That’s how we can promote change.  

OHS COMMITTEE,
in collaboration with the Executive Board 

Safer Union Workspaces

Our role as Cabin Personnel holds a fundamental responsibility—to ensure the safety and comfort of our guests and fellow Crew Members. This duty is at the core of our work and requires our dedicated commitment. 

However, we acknowledge the challenges we face—the challenges of our working conditions in our industry, the demanding nature of network scheduling, compounded by the changes accompanying the Company's growth. 

Our community is unlike any other workforce - we may work together today and then cross paths several years later. We are away from our homes days at a time and live in different parts of the country. We come from different backgrounds, livelihoods, external hires, internal hires, flowees, integrate-ees, etc.  

The daily stress that we individually carry, varies from person to person and circumstance to circumstance.  

What connects us all is the work we do, the Company we work for, and responsibilities we carry in maintaining the safety of our guests and fellow Crew while delivering an exceptional and memorable service.  

While our individual circumstances may differ, our dedication to our work and the standards set by our Company remain constant. Equally important is our collective responsibility to create an environment free from harassment, discrimination, and bullying. 
 

Let's communicate openly and professionally, showing consideration for each other. In case of workplace violence or harassment, know that there are channels in place for reporting, such as the DPM, SharePoint, and other mechanisms outlined in our Workplace Violence and Harassment Policy as per Bill C-65 

In our work towards a safer workspace and union space, we ask you to pledge with us for a safer space. 

For resources and more information on Safer Union Spaces, please click here. 

National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

Dear Members,  
 

Today, on the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, we pause to reflect on the importance of this day and the collective responsibility we share in addressing gender-based violence.
 
December 6th holds a solemn significance, as it marks the anniversary of the tragic École Polytechnique massacre in 1989. On this day, 14 young women lost their lives simply because of their gender. It serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by women and girls, and the urgent need for continuous efforts to build a society that is free from violence and discrimination.
 
This year, let us honor the memory of those lives lost and raise awareness about the pervasive issue of gender-based violence. By doing so, we not only pay tribute to those who have been affected, but we also commit ourselves to fostering a culture of respect, equality, and empowerment.
 
Together, let us stand united against gender-based violence and work towards a future where everyone can live without fear and discrimination.

To learn more about how you can support someone or learn about help and assistance: 
Canadian Women's Foundation 
https://canadianwomen.org/the-facts/gender-based-violence/
 
Government of Canada
https://women-gender-equality.canada.ca/en/commemorations-celebrations/16-days/help.html
 
Gender Equality and Supporting Women and Girls 
https://canadianwomen.org/the-facts/gender-based-violence/
 
CUPE Domestic Violence Bargaining Guide and to learn more
https://cupe.ca/sites/default/files/domestic_violence_bargaining_guide_2023_en.pdf
 
Director Sexual and Gender Based Harassment Prevention and Support Office 
https://cupe.ca/director-sexual-and-gender-based-harassment-prevention-and-support-office

CUPE Newsletter January 2021

December 2023 Newsletter

President's Update
 

• Merger Committee- This is a role that will focus on actively engaging our membership in collecting feedback.   This committee is vital in providing the Executive Board with the pulse of our local.   This will allow your Executive Board to make informed decisions on how to communicate, educate, and guide this local as we navigate the upcoming year with the upcoming combining of the WG CCMs into our WS Group.  

• Airline Division Questionnaire- you will find a link the the Unpaid work survey below.  Please continue to submit the various examples as we will now be submitting labour complaints on our strongest examples.  We encourage everyone to participate and submit as often as you experience them. 

• Read and signs vs E-Learnings- We have set up meetings with the employer to discuss when and how Ops Comms are issued vs read and signs as we have seen recently the Company has been issuing many read and signs and emails – it is the Unions position that some of these should have been E-learnings.  We would like to see a mutually agreed upon standard put into place.  We will keep you updated as more information becomes available. 

• Social Media- I would like to take a moment to remind our membership that our online activities continue to be reported to the Employer as violations of the Respect in the Workplace policy.  I would strongly encourage the membership to review the associated policy. 

• OCC Crew Sked APP – We are reminding our members to use this App to communicate with OCC. This App was created as a result of last year's winter debacle.  Please refer to the employers communication on how to upload the APP. 

Unpaid Work Won't Fly
 

Please continue to fill out the Unpaid Work Won't Fly survey with examples: 

https://survey-sondage.cupe.ca/index.php/769241?lang=en 

https://survey-sondage.cupe.ca/index.php/769241?lang=fr 

This helps to build our case as bring this to the CIRB to fight and work towards getting paid for the work we do  

Reminder

Reminder to ensure your passport is placed in one bag that is taken on all durations of pairings (1-6 days) and is a bag taken on both the 737 and 787. Forgotten passports result in an unpaid code of COS (Not Meeting Company Standards) placed in the Crew Member's schedule and requires follow-up from their Inflight Leader.

National Pink Triangle Committee
 

The National Pink Triangle Committee promotes and defends the rights and freedoms of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and two-spirited (LGBTQ2+) persons. Active participation from the LGBTQ2+ community in coalitions, lobbying and campaigns contributes to the education and awareness of the lives and perspectives of LGBTQ2+ people amongst CUPE members, within CUPE structures, in workplaces and communities. 

Mauricio Mejia and Allan Ramsarran 

Canadian Housing Crisis

CUPE is calling on the government to tackle the housing crisis by making significant investments in public housing. By ending government subsidies to for-profit developers and directing spending to public housing projects, we can ensure everyone has an affordable and dignified home. 
 

Sign the petition: demand public housing now! | Canadian Union of Public Employees (cupe.ca) 

Breaking Barriers: CUPE’s Human Rights History
 

CUPE has a proud history of championing human rights in our Union, our Workplaces and our Communities. Through the human rights history project, we’ve traced our role in key human rights struggles over the years, in Canada and internationally. 

This digital timeline describes nearly 275 events since CUPE was founded in 1963. The stories touch on bargaining, political action, organizing, education and other areas of activism. 
Please scroll through the timeline here.

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

General Membership Meeting (GMM) 
May 8th, 2024 1100PT/1200MT/1400ET - Sign Up Here
Open only to Members in Good Standing or to those who have completed the application process. 

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: I heard that the company gave increases in salary to non union members due to inflation but did not to unionized groups at WestJet… it is my understanding that they could have opened up the collective agreement and still could have given us the same. First of all did they give non union employees an increase in pay due to inflation? And Secondly could they not have done the same for union members?

Answer: The Company has the ability to change parameters of non-unionized workers at any time.  When in a Unionized environment, the Union and Company are locked into the terms of the bargained Collective Agreement.  While if both sides agree, articles can be changed.  How bargaining works though, is that items of value are saved until the bargaining dates, due to creating leverage for other items that maybe desired from either party.  Monetary items are "big ticket" leverage items. 

Election Results November 2023

Good day Members,

Below you will find the election results.  A big Thank You to all who put their names forward to run and Thank You to everyone one who participated and voted.

ELECTED POSITONS:
 

1x CUPE 4070 Vice President

Tyson Conrod(44.7%)Rose Streete(23.8%)Colleen Tracey(16.6%)Meghan Gulliver(14.9%)

1x CUPE 4070 Secretary Treasurer

Alex Grigoriev(70.9%)Destiny Earle(29.1%)

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 Christine Weisner, WestJet YYZ Cabin Crew Member.Respectfully,
Calvin Gautschi
Recording Secretary - CUPE 4070

Winter is Coming!

Good day CUPE 4070 Members,

Slips/trips/falls cause many of the injuries we see to WestJetters each winter. Many of these accidents occurring on the walk to or from a personal vehicle.

If you do fall seek medical treatment as soon as possible as the injury and its symptoms can worsen if left untreated. If you fall at work, please remember to report it within 24 hours in case the fall is worse than it seems at the time.

Actions to prevent slips, trips and falls this winter:

• Watch where you walk. Pay attention to cracked and uneven surfaces, slippery flooring, and areas where water tends to pool and collect. Repair and report these dangers to prevent slips, trips and falls. Watch surfaces that may be icy, wet or obscured by snow.

• Wear winter footwear. Whether you're coming to work or going to the grocery store, safe winter footwear should fit well and be appropriate to the task and terrain. 

• Keep hands free for safety. Get in the habit of pocketing your phone and other objects rather than carrying them in your hands. This frees up your hands for balance, maintaining contact with handrails, and if needed, catching a fall. 

 
Please wear boots. As per the newest revision of uniform standards found on Sharepoint, during the season of inclement weather (Oct 1-Mar 31), crew may winter boots with any uniform. They need to be Brown, Black or navy with a simple design which may include small logo, straps, laces &/or buttons. Boots should be insulated, water-resistant winter boots (not fashion boots) with a traction outsole. Winter boots that are not navy in colour must be removed prior to boarding, except for ground loading stations, where they must be removed after main cabin door closes and must be removed before safety demo. Boots may be donned again, once all guests have deplaned. Navy boots may now be worn all day as per newest uniform update. Boot may have zippers and functional buckles, see examples in the newest uniform updates on Westnet.

Remember to make sure that you dress for the weather. Personal items such as toques, gloves and scarves can be worn to and from the airport but must be removed prior to commencement of duty. You may also order some uniform winter items including the puffer jacket which is back in stock on the Unisync site. For those without uniform dollars left, $350 will be allotted Jan 1st for your Annual allotment as per Collective Agreement.

Elections November 2023-Voting Package

Good day Members,

Below is the information for voting, as well as acclaimed positions that do not require a vote. The voting link will be sent out on November 23rd to eligible voters only. 

ELECTION REQUIRED:

1x CUPE 4070 Trustee (2023-2026)
Marla Grimmeyer - READ MORE
Meghan Gulliver - READ MORE1x CUPE 4070 Vice President
Colleen Tracey - READ MORE
Meghan Gulliver - READ MORE
Rose Streete - READ MORE
Tyson Conrod - READ MORE1x CUPE 4070 Secretary Treasurer
Alex Grigoriev - READ MORE
Destiny Earle - READ MORE1x WS YYC Health & Safety Committee
Kruti Sutaria - READ MORE
Meghan Gulliver - READ MORE
 
 

ACCLAIMED POSITONS – ELECTION NOT REQUIRED:
 

1x WR YYZ Base Vice President
Marcus Johnstone-McKinney - READ MORE

1x WS YVR Steward
Sarah Ferraro - READ MORE

1x WS YVR Grievance Committee
Sarah Ferraro -  READ MORE

1x WS YVR Health & Safety Committee
Tina Singh

1x WS YYC Bylaw Review Committee
Michael Maher3x WS YYZ Stewards
Jessica Lockley
Darren Steeves - READ MORE
Marissa Oppedisano - READ MORE1x WS YYZ Uniform Committee
Jessica Lockley

 

REMAINING VACANT ROLES:

Communications Committee:
1x WS YYZ
1x WRGrievance Committee:
1x WR 
1x WS YYZ Education Committee:
1x WR
1x WSWomen's Committee:
1x WR 
1x WS Committee Against Racism and Discrimination (CARD):
1x WR Health and Safety:
1x WS YYC
2x WR YYZ 
2x WS YEG Uniform Committee:
1x WR
1x WS YVR 
1x WS YYZ Scheduling Review Committee:
1x WR YYC
1x WR YYZ 
1x WS YVRReturn to Work Accommodations Committee:
1x WRBylaw Review Committee:
1x WR YYC 
1x WR YYZ
1x WS YVR 
1x WS YYZ Union Stewards:
9x WR YYC 
10x WR YYZ 
1x WS YYC
7x WS YVR
6x WS YYZ 

VOTING

Voting is open to Members in Good Standing only.

NOTE: Some votes are open to all Members in Good Standing, others are unit specific or unit and base specific Members in Good Standing.

If you wish to become a Member in Good Standing;
-Fill out this form
-Pay the $5 initiation fee (if you haven't already)
-At the next General Membership Meeting (GMM), Members approve your application

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:
November 23, 2023 at 03:00PT / 04:00MT / 06:00ET
First Round Election End:
November 30, 2023 at 13:00PT / 14:00MT / 16:00ET

There is the potential for multiple voting rounds and will be announced as necessary.

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 YYZ Cabin Crew Member.
Respectfully,
Calvin Gautschi
Recording Secretary - CUPE 4070

Fit for duty

Good day CUPE 4070 Members,
                                                                           
As we are fast approaching cold and flu season now is a great time to review best practices around being Fit for Duty when reporting for your pairing. 
 
Very recently we have made improvements to our sick leave policy that now bring us in alignment with Federal Government guidelines, so we encourage all Cabin Personnel to familiarize themselves with the changes made. You can find the latest details on your Company Device.
 
In short, if you are sick or otherwise feel unwell, please stay home and get better. Remember that Fit for Duty does not just refer to contagious illness, but also such conditions as migraines, physical ailments and mental health.
 
We know Cabin Personnel may feel pressure or concerns about calling in sick, especially our Members on probation, but it’s best for our coworkers, the operation & most importantly ourselves, that if we’re not fit for duty we book off. Please resist the temptation to be the ‘hero’ or think about ‘pushing through’. Crew Schedulers have the expertise and resources to replace you, even last minute, mid pairing or if you’re out of base. While it’s always diligent to give Crew Scheduling the most notice possible, your health, safety and well being will always come first. 
  
Please refer to the Collective Agreement on your Company Device for specific parameters around sick leaves and the correct procedures should you need to use them.
 
Here’s to a healthy and safe winter season for all!

GMM

Good day CUPE 4070 Members,

Thank you to all those who attended the GMM yesterday.  Your participation is what keeps the Union moving forward and able to progress.   
Due to running out of time and not being able to complete all the committee reports, please see the full PowerPoint attached to review all reports. 

View the PowerPoint here. 

If you have questions please reach out here.

To read the meeting minutes or to view the recording, please log into www.cupe4070.ca > on the right side click "Previous GMM/SMM/Townhalls">then "GMM", and then select the appropriate date.  This is where all previous meetings are stored.  The next General Membership Meeting (GMM) will be May 8th, 2024.

Financial Update

Good day CUPE 4070 Members,
                                                                           
It has been my utmost pleasure to serve as your Secretary-Treasurer over the past two years.  In anticipation of the Secretary-Treasurer’s report at the upcoming General Membership Meeting (GMM) on November 8th, I wanted to share some financial highlights from the past year and ideally entice as many of you as possible to attend the GMM, where you can share feedback, seek clarification and enhance your knowledge about the financial affairs of this local.

You will find attached to this letter, links to a) our financial performance over the past year compared against the budgets you have approved, b) trustee recommendations and c) Secretary-Treasurer’s response to said recommendations. 

Overall, I am pleased to share that we have successfully delivered results well below the budgeted amounts in almost all tracked categories.  The exception to that is the Operating Expenses, where we had to pay for additional taxes, unknown to us during the budget presentation last year.  Our other category revenues significantly exceed our expenses, and the overall surplus will be reverted back to replenish the defense fund as well as into savings of the general fund. As some of you would recall, you had authorized the defense fund at the past meetings.

Our trustee team has worked extremely hard to go over every single transaction and signature, on which they base their recommendations for improvements.  I am also happy to report that a very significant number of the recommendations has been implemented and adopted to ensure that your money remains safe.

At the GMM, this Wednesday, the trustee team will discuss their new recommendations and findings derived from the most recent audit, however I am happy to share some of the completed procedures from the past audits.
We have:

• developed processes for handover of property from outgoing to incoming executives;

• digitized all paperwork to ensure its completeness so not a single signature of authorizations is missing before disbursement is authorized;

• moved over to conducting audits virtually to save on hotels, flights and all the costs associated with travel;

• obtained commercial insurance for all our offices to comply with the lease requirements;

• moved our executive top-up structure to post-payment, rather than a prepayment, to ensure no funds go unaccounted should an executive vacancy arise;

• developed an executive cost report to ensure that each member of the executive team is aware of how much each of their roles costs to the membership, in order to encourage attention for opportunities to save anywhere possible

In addition to the accomplished trustee recommendations, we have also secured top legal representation for the upcoming merger.  Being a rarity in Canada, Michael Church brings decades of experience in union mergers in transportation/aviation sectors.

We have aligned the budget year with our fiscal year, which allows us to produce the report that is linked here.  This endeavor now allows us a smoother allocation of expected expenses with potentially more left available for committee budgets.

We also started recognizing time bank as revenue for ease of understanding how it affects the bottom line (see Time Bank Revenue category on the linked Income Statement).

A couple weeks ago, at the CUPE National Convention, your executive team pushed to increase the strike pay from the current $300 per week.  This amount is unsustainable in the current economic landscape (see CUPE4070 Instagram Account).

And we have been able to complete an audit for the past year, as mentioned earlier. For context, some of our sibling locals in Airline Division are only on track to complete audits from 2016, which speaks to competence, consistency, and dedication of our Trustee team.

Despite all the gains and successes, we continue to face risks to financial and overall affairs of the local due to delayed approval of the bylaws.  Last fall, we have obtained a preapproval from the CUPE National President’s Office of the bylaws proposed to the membership.  After your tireless work at the three SMM’s last fall, we still have not had the bylaws returned to us with any feedback.  As we expected the approval process to conclude around March 2023, our budgets are built around what the membership has approved in these bylaws.  Almost a year later, we don’t have any concrete certainty of whether these bylaws will be accepted and approved by CUPE National.  This has a significant bearing on our bottom line as it affects the safety net coverage of uninterrupted operation should any of the offices fall vacant due to illnesses or resignations, amongst numerous other factors.

Some of you have had concerns of how current economic climate and persistent inflation affects our financial standing.  Overall, we are insulated from the effects of inflation as our revenues and bulk of our expenses are tied to our wages in the form of dues we receive and flight release costs we pay to our employer.  There are no unanticipated swings in those factors as we mostly budget our flight release at the top CCM wage in each bargaining unit.

In conclusion, I would stress we are in for some turbulence over next few years.  Erosion of our purchasing power due to inflation is roughly equivalent to a 17-19% wage cut when compared to 2019 and that is unacceptable. 

This membership’s persistent struggle to survive on the current wages does not go unnoticed.  While the upcoming merger will test our unity in the most extreme sense, we must persist in maintaining a collective focus on getting prepared for bargaining as only then do we stand any chance of having a wage increase. We only have one chance before we are locked in another lengthy term and financial preparation for bargaining is essential.

This imminent focus on bargaining is directly tied to the importance of fiscal responsibility.  Recently Air Canada Component announced a goal of accumulating $3 million for bargaining in 2025.  Our local is very young and not in a position to have nearly as much allocated to CA2 negotiations.  Consequently, my personal focus is to adhere to delivering results below budget and aggressively contributing to our savings, as much as the bylaws, membership and the rest of the executive team would permit.

Getting through these upcoming turbulent years requires participation from as many of you as possible.  Please continue to get involved, attend the GMM and continue to educate yourself on union affairs.

Sign up for the GMM here.
 
Alex Grigoriev
Secretary-Treasurer
CUPE Local 4070

General Membership Meeting Sign-Up

Good day CUPE 4070 Members,
 

GMMs are vital to the Local as it is one of two formal meetings conducted for the Local between the elected Representatives and the Membership. Business is conducted formally at these meetings, following rules of order outlined in the Local's Bylaws. Reports from the Executives, Committees, along with financial updates, approval of Members applying to be in Good Standing, and important Local updates are shared. To reference the Local’s Bylaws and Rules of Order, please click here. 

When is it, Who can attend, How do I sign up?
 

• The GMM is on November 8th (11:00PT/12:00MT/14:00ET), held virtually

• Open to Members in Good Standing and those who completed the application process only.  

• Sign up here for the GMM.

• See the GMM Agenda here.

Review Previous Meeting Minutes
Log into www.cupe4070.ca first, then on the right side is "Previous GMM/SMM/Townhalls" and you find the last meeting minutes under each applicable section. Alternatively after signing into the website you can click the links below,

Please read the previous GMM minutes here.
Please read the previous SMM minutes here.

Logging into the meeting/Why am I not being admitted into the meeting?

• When you log into the meeting, you MUST edit your display name to show your full name or employee number.

• If your display name cannot be verified off the MSL and Members In Good Standing list, you won't be allowed entry

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

For example, WestJet Encore Members: 

WR 32168 Adrian Dayrit  
or

For example, WestJet Members: 

WS 29902 Bryan Hansraj 
 

What is Member in Good Standing, Am I one? How do I find out?

• Everyone of you is a Member of CUPE 4070, paying dues. 

• A Member in Good Standing though means you have completed an application process and approved at a subsequent GMM.

• You then have rights to attend Membership Meetings, run in elections at CUPE 4070 and to vote in them and to vote on other things as well. 

• The application process is filling out the form here, ensuring your initiation fee is paid (ask here if unsure) and then at the next GMM, is the final stage for approval.

Please have all the steps completed no later than November 6th in order to have time to be processed during the November 8th GMM. 
 

The next opportunity after November 8th, 2023 will be in May 2024. 

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 as per the bylaws, is a minimum of 40 Members plus at least two Members of the Board. 

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

November 2023 Newsletter

Topics in this Newsletter:
Bargaining is Coming
Fatigue
Flu Season is Here!
Member in Good Standing 
Benefits
Breaking Barriers: CUPE's Human Rights History
Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Social Media
Per Diems, Dropping Shifts or Picking Up?
Save the Dates
Galley Gossip

Called for a meeting with your Leader/Manager? Click here to contact your CUPE Base Vice President

Bargaining is Coming
 

Bargaining is coming sooner than later!  Did you know WR’s Collective Agreement expires in only 1003 days and WS’s Collective Agreement expires in only 791 days. 
Things begin, up to one year in advance of the expiry of a Collective Agreement.  This involves things such as surveys, data compilation, bargaining committee set up, meetings and then finally the actual bargaining.
Please keep track of items that you want bargained, so that when the bargaining survey is sent out it will be quick and easy for you to fill out with what you want.  It is by your feedback which drives the direction of the bargaining committee.

Fatigue
 

Fatigue is a constant in our industry.  From schedules, time zones, overnight shifts, flips and sleep interruptions.  Any time you receive your schedule please review it for anything that could be fatiguing and proactively report it as per the fatigue process.
If you encounter fatigue while working, please ensure to be safe, do not work and follow the fatigue process.  Fatigue reporting brings about scheduling changes, and keeps the Employer aware of what is not working. 
Things can look great on paper while following the Collective Agreement rules, though it does not mean that it may not be fatiguing.
Our winter season is soon to begin, please take care of yourself during this extremely busy time of the year.

Flu Season is Here!

Winter has started, and with it also comes flu season.  If you are sick, please take care of yourself and do not come to work.  STAY HOME!
Take care of your fellow Crew Members by not coming to work sick.  Please familiarize yourself with the sick procedures and do not feel afraid to use sick days if you are not well.  If you encounter any issues please contact your Base Vice-President here.   

Member in Good Standing

Everyone of you is a Member of CUPE 4070, paying dues. 

A Member in Good Standing though means you have completed an application process and then have rights to run in elections at CUPE 4070 and to vote in them and to vote on other things as well.  The application process is filling out the form here, ensuring your initiation fee is paid (ask here if unsure) and then at the next GMM, the final approval, if no one opposes.   
 

We have a GMM coming up on November 8th, please have all the steps completed no later than November 6th in order to have time to be processed during the November 8th GMM. 
 

We have elections coming up and to vote or run in them, this must be completed.  The next opportunity after November 8th will be in May 2024. 

Benefits

Use your benefits, they are part of your employment package/compensation.  Depending on what you chose, you could be eligible for compression stockings, deep depth footwear (basically footwear you can put insoles in), orthopedic footwear (these can be from runners to dress shoes), massage, acupuncture, chiropractic, therapy, counselling, chiropodist etc.  Ask your co-workers what they have been using and also contact the insurance provider to see what is covered under your chosen benefits package.  

Breaking Barriers: CUPE’s Human Rights History
 

CUPE has a proud history of championing human rights in our Union, our Workplaces and our Communities. Through the human rights history project, we’ve traced our role in key human rights struggles over the years, in Canada and internationally. 

This digital timeline describes nearly 275 events since CUPE was founded in 1963. The stories touch on bargaining, political action, organizing, education and other areas of activism. 
Please scroll through the timeline here.

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Social Media 

Please keep in mind Management and friends are on social media too.  There is frequent reports and meetings with Members and the Company because of posts of certain natures.  Please be familiar with the Company's policies and remember if you wouldn’t want management to read or see something, then do not post it on social media.  As most likely they will see it or be sent it, even on closed group pages.  
 

Side note, if you want to contact CUPE 4070, please use the only official contact method via the website, www.cupe4070.ca/contact do not use social media, as those messages are not monitored.

Per Diems, Lead Lump Sum, Dropping Shifts or Picking up? 

Always keep track of and on each pay period double check that everything is correct, and that you get what is owed to you.  The thought of perfection in our pay is a wonderful idea, though we do not live in a perfect world.  Errors will happen.  Each Member should be verifying, as errors are not uncommon.

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

General Membership Meeting (GMM) 
November 8, 2023 1100PT/1200MT/1400ET - Sign Up Here
Open only to Members in Good Standing or to those who have completed the application process. 

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 first under the probation first before the merge.

Answer: When on probation, the Employer is assessing for suitability and viability of the employment relationship. The Union has seen probationary extensions and terminations issued by the Employer citing high sick time, missed reserve calls, consumption of Buy On Board items, and “overall reliability.”
 
If you are on probation and have questions about utilizing personal leave or sick leave, please reach out to your Base VP. If your DPM calls you for a meeting, contact your Base VP immediately for Union Representation to attend your meeting with you.