LOU 3 - EXTENDED RECALL RIGHTS FOR COVID-19 LAYOFFS
Q: Under LOU 3, would furloughed employees continue to accrue seniority for the entire 5 year term, or would we stop accruing seniority at 3 years (as per 49.5-10), as laid out in the new agreement? For clarification, would be remain on a recall list for two additional years, but would our seniority accrual be paused after 3?
A: According to that article, seniority would continue to accrue (except for vacation, sick time and pay progression purposes) during the layoff period. LOU 3 extends the recall period, which extends the referred to ‘layoff period’ in 49-5.10, meaning yes, your seniority would accrue for the full 5 years. Additionally, opting into the secondary recall program outlined in Appendix 1 (MOA), and being recalled to a destination carrier would allow accrual for Pay progression purposes during any time spent working at the secondary company, upon your recall to WestJet.