With momentum building at airports across Canada for WestJet airline frontline workers to join Unifor, some of you are wondering how you can help with the effort.

We’re glad you asked.

The biggest thing you can do right now is to help spread the information about Unifor that is being handed out in the airports, and to gather Unifor membership cards from your co-workers.

Each new card gets you and your co-workers closer to having a voice in the workplace, and a say when the company tries to change the conditions of your work.

Surprisingly, WestJet’s own advertising seems to show the need for airline frontline workers to gain a voice in the workplace. Just take a look at the slick new Beyond the Aircraft ad campaign.

It’s very nice. There’s John the pilot. Tim the aircraft maintenance engineer. And Elisa the cabin crew member. Together, they paint a very nice picture of WestJet as a desired airline for travellers, built on the people who get travellers to their destinations.

But there’s just one thing missing from this campaign – YOU.

Many of you are the first WestJet employee that a traveller will see when they get to the airport to start their trip, and so you are a vital part of the WestJet experience beyond the aircraft. You deserve to be recognized for that, as well.

The important role of airline frontline workers is seen in another WestJet ad campaign, called Treat people Like People. It’s a pretty funny ad, actually, with lots of cute cows.

Who doesn’t like cows?

The crux of the ad is that WestJet treats people like people (not cattle) when they are trying to make their way through the airport. This is done, or course, by smiling helpful airline frontline workers who see to travellers’ needs and ensure they get on their way safely and as stress-free as possible.

That’s the work you do, of course. WestJet needs to understand that treating workers with respect and fairness and giving employees an opportunity of participation in the workplace is the best way to ensure they are most able to put the best face forward of the company.

To help achieve that, sign a Unifor card and help your co-workers do the same. For more information on how you can help, contact one of your Organizers.

All calls are confidential.

Ontario
Billy O'Neill, Unifor
[email protected] | 416-605-1443

Quebec
Ada Zampini, Unifor
[email protected] | 514-701-6227

Prairies
Bruce Fafard, Unifor
[email protected] | 587-341-0945

British Columbia
Simon Lau, Unifor
[email protected] | 778-928-9630

Atlantic
Patrick Murray, Unifor
[email protected] | 506-850-7996