In recent weeks, as WestJet has introduced new tasks and responsibilities for airport frontline staff, several workers have raised concerns about the health and safety aspects of these new duties.

It’s a legitimate concern, and one that airport workers are not alone in facing. Pilots and flight attendants at WestJet are also being asked to take on new duties. The difference, of course, is that the pilots and flight attendants have unions that are working with the employer to decide who will do the work, ensure the new responsibilities are fairly distributed, and that the proper training and safety provisions are in place.

Airport frontline workers need to have such a voice, as well.

There are, of course, protections in the Canada Labour Code to ensure a safe workplace, but without a union in your corner, those rules are largely unenforceable.

At Unifor, health and safety – including proper training and safety procedures – are a top priority. In fact, we have an entire department dedicated to dealing with this issue. Unifor bargaining units can draw on the department’s expertise whenever they need.

Whether it is cleaning aircraft or helping travelers on and off flights or any other task involved with your job, you deserve a voice on how those jobs will be performed. A union not only gives you that voice and a chance to discuss what, if any, additional tasks you must take on, but also a grievance procedure when disputes arise.

Unifor is a member-driven union. If you, as members of Unifor, decide that job descriptions and health and safety are top priorities in bargaining, they will be.

Without a union, you don’t have that option, and the employer is free to change jobs as it sees fit, not necessarily with your health and safety in mind.

For more information, please contact your organizing team.