The uncertainty surrounding the airline industry since the beginning of the pandemic certainly took a disturbing turn last week when WestJet Onex officially notified the Federal Minister of Labour on July 7 that it would initiate a mass termination of GSA and TAC workers.

The notice initiates a number of provisions under the federal labour code including 16 weeks’ notice to workers who will be affected by the announcement and a requirement that a joint planning committee (JPC) be set up of workers and management.

Having a real voice in the workplace during such times is vital.

The job of the JPC is to develop an adjustment program to eliminate the need for terminations and/or minimize the impact of terminations on those workers targeted to lose their jobs, and assist employees in finding other employment. It’s important work, to say the least.

The chance to participate in the JPC process is especially important because this group of workers is not yet protected by a collective agreement. The AEA has already appointed their people to speak on your behalf as part of this joint planning committee.

Unifor is greatly concerned that the AEA will fail to represent your needs and rights on this panel. In recent months, the AEA failed to notify you that your employer was asking for an exemption from its legal obligations to set up this very panel, and only addressed it once you were notified by Unifor. This same AEA hasn’t fought to save your jobs at WestJet, but rather rubber stamps the desires of your employer.

Isn’t it about time the AEA stopped misleading you? You deserve better then an internal association that has been set up by your employer. The JPC has protections built in that allows workers to request that a neutral third-party arbitrator be appointed if the parties are not able to develop an adjustment program.

It’s unlikely the AEA will use this, as they have done very little in the past to protect your interests and jobs.

Simply put, why has the AEA not fought to keep these jobs? Why have they not taken work action to pressure your employer?

Because it is not in their interest to do so. After all, the WestJet Internal Association Representative sat on the WestJet board receiving just under $20,000 in 2019. $13,000 for board meeting and an additional $6000 for committee meetings, in addition to their regular salary.

Throughout this time,

• AEA Failed to negotiate a Collective Agreement protecting your work
• AEA Failed to register with the Canada Industrial Relations Board
• AEA Failed to keep you informed about job loss
• AEA Failed to inform you about Onex WestJet Exemption Application
• AEA Failed to protect your jobs from outsourcing
• AEA Failed to negotiate adequate recall and layoff provisions
• AEA Failed time and time again

It’s time for real representation fighting to protect good airline jobs. It’s time to join Unifor to ensure that your interests are being represented. Even those who are safe today and survive these cuts will remain at threat in the future as the impact of the pandemic continues to play out.

Unifor has nearly 3,000 collective agreements across the country in every major sector of the economy. We have a legal department that serves our membership on a daily bases to ensure workers rights are upheld and protected. The AEA and the CCEA are just not up for to the task. Haven’t they failed you enough?

If you have any questions, would like to sign a Unifor Card, or would like to know how you can help bring a true voice to the workplace, please reach out to one of your Unifor Organizers.

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