Important Update: Worker Protections, Terminations, and Your Rights
We know that many of you are feeling frustrated and concerned about recent developments, including terminations that appear to be happening without warning or due process.
We want to be clear about where things stand.
There are ongoing delays at the Canada Industrial Relations Board. Until certification is granted, Unifor is not yet in a legal position to represent workers directly in matters such as discipline or termination. We understand how difficult and unfair that feels, especially in situations like those we are currently seeing.
However, workers are not without protection.
If you have been terminated, particularly without warning, you may have the right to file an unjust dismissal complaint under the Canada Labour Code. This applies to federally regulated workers, including those at WestJet.
There is an important deadline. Complaints must be filed within 90 days of dismissal. Missing this window can result in losing your right to challenge the termination.
You can begin that process here:
https://www.cirb-ccri.gc.ca/en/about-appeals-applications-complaints/employment-standards-unjust-dismissal
The process is handled through the federal Labour Program and may be referred to the Board if not resolved.
We strongly encourage any worker who has been affected to take immediate steps to protect their rights.
What we are seeing reinforces why certification matters. A union ensures that discipline must meet a just cause standard and follow a fair process. Workers should not be subject to arbitrary decisions or sudden terminations without recourse.
We will continue to push forward and keep you updated as the process moves ahead.
In solidarity,
Unifor Organizing Team
Billy O'Neill
Unifor National Representative, Organizing
416.605.1443
billy.oneill@unifor.org
Lucy Alessio
Unifor National Coordinator, Organizing
416.998.3189
lucy.alessio@unifor.org
