Unifor is Canada’s largest union in the private sector, representing 320,000 workers in every major area of the economy, including 16,000 members in the aviation sector and roughly 26,000 members working in the telecommunications sector at large and small employers across the country
We understand that the decision to join a union is significant, and we're here to support you every step of the way. Many of your fellow WestJetters have already chosen to join Unifor, and we've been working closely with them for years to ensure their voices are heard and their rights are protected.
Unifor currently represents thousands of WestJetters in Calgary, Vancouver, and Toronto performing work as Customer Service Agents, Coordinators, and Ramp Services. As a leading voice for workers in aviation and telecommunications sectors, Unifor brings unparalleled expertise and advocacy to the table.
As part of the Unifor family, you gain access to a wide range of benefits and resources, including collective bargaining power, expert representation, and a strong support network. Whether you have questions about the Unifor advantage, want to learn more about the benefits of union membership, or simply need guidance navigating the process, we're here for you.
Our goal is to keep you informed and empowered throughout the campaign process. We'll provide regular updates on how the campaign is progressing in the coming days, weeks, and months, ensuring that you have the information you need to make informed decisions about your future.
Please don't hesitate to reach out to us with any questions, concerns, or feedback. We're here to listen and support you in any way we can.
Thank you for considering Unifor, and we look forward to working together to build a better future for all WestJet Call Center Employees.
Get the latest information on the organizing drive at WestJet, including weekly updates and the latest news on the fallout of the pandemic on the airline industry.
Why Unifor?
Unifor is Canada’s largest union in the private sector, representing 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy, including 16,000 members in the aviation sector. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad and strives to create progressive change for a better future.
Unifor in the Telecommunications Industry
Unifor is the leading union in the telecommunications sector, with roughly 26,000 members working at large and small employers across the country. Bargaining units include members working as technicians, customer service staff, and office and clerical staff. Unifor is also the only union representing sales staff in the sector. Telecommunications is also one of the union’s largest sectors and it is home to one of Unifor’s single largest employers, Bell Canada (and its subsidiaries).
ETOP (Education Technical Office Professional) is an industry council under our national union.
Our affiliates are members who fall under the education, technical, office & professional workplaces in Unifor. Our goal is to strengthen, mobilize and build this sector of our union through collective action.
How do I join?
As workers in a federally regulated workplace, the rules for you joining a union are set out in the Canada Labour Code (CLC). The rules are strict and must be followed exactly. This is to protect you and to ensure that your rights and wishes are respected throughout the unionization process.
The rules in the CLC require that more than half of all workers in a workplace sign a membership card completely. The CLC also requires that every card signer pay $5 along with the card. This is meant to demonstrate your commitment to the idea of unionization.
Once more than half of WestJet call centre workers have signed a Unifor card, the union applies to the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to certify Unifor as your bargaining agent with WestJet. The board will review the cards and the $5 payments, and issue a decision on the application.
(If the union applies with 35% support a vote can be ordered)
This is the same process airports staff, ramp agents, flight attendants, pilots and dispatchers followed to join the union.