Tomorrow, you get to decide.

Voting opens at 9:00 a.m. MT Monday, September 14 and closes at 9:00 a.m. MT Friday, September 18.

The question on your ballot will be:

“Do you wish to have Unifor represent you as your bargaining agent in collective bargaining with your employer?”

We are asking you to vote YES.

Before you vote, a couple of things we want to clear up

As voting gets closer, there is understandably a lot of information being shared between coworkers.

One concern we’ve heard is that programs currently available through CCEA, such as education grants or emergency assistance, will disappear and nothing will replace them.

That doesn’t tell the full story.

Unifor has a National Scholarship Program that eligible members and their children can apply for. This year, Unifor is offering 23 scholarships of $2,000 each, totalling $46,000.

And that is just the national program. Some Unifor Local Unions also offer additional scholarships, education grants and bursaries that members and their families can apply for.

We also don’t have to look outside WestJet for an example of what can be negotiated.

WestJet Airport workers represented by Unifor negotiated an annual $15,000 contribution from WestJet to the Unifor Paid Education Leave program. Members selected for Paid Education Leave are compensated through the fund.

Supporting our communities

Unifor members also negotiate employer contributions to the Social Justice Fund, putting negotiated dollars back into the communities where our members live and work.

Last year alone, the Social Justice Fund supported 251 organizations and provided $2.28 million in project funding, donations and emergency humanitarian relief.

Here in Alberta, we have seen that support firsthand. Unifor contributed $500,000 for Fort McMurray wildfire disaster relief and $30,000 to the Wood Buffalo Food Bank following severe flooding. The Social Justice Fund has also supported Alberta-based organizations and initiatives, including education and skills-development programs.

Across Canada, the Social Justice Fund recently provided $300,000 to 74 food banks and $180,000 to 75 women’s shelters.

These are examples of what being part of a national union can bring: national resources combined with the ability of Local Unions and their members to build additional supports closer to home.

What about wages and job security?

We’ve heard the suggestion that workers could pay union dues and receive no wage increase.

With a certified union, wages are on the bargaining table.

Today, WestJet ultimately determines your wage structure. After a YES vote, you and your coworkers will identify your priorities, elect your bargaining committee and have the legal right to collectively bargain wages with WestJet.

And bargaining doesn’t happen just once.

WestJet Airport workers are now preparing to negotiate their second collective agreement. They are identifying where they want to make further gains, including wages, while entering bargaining with rights already secured in their first agreement, including seniority, a grievance and arbitration process, and job-security protections around outsourcing.

That is the difference.

CCEA can raise concerns with WestJet and advocate for improvements. But advocacy is not collective bargaining.

CCEA cannot require WestJet to collectively bargain wages or negotiate an enforceable collective agreement covering your wages, benefits, job security and working conditions.

A certified union can.

And to clear up another piece of information circulating, Unifor’s dues are 1.35% of gross income, not 3%, and union dues are tax deductible and you do not pay union dues until after you vote in favour of your first collective agreement.

If you haven’t received your voting credentials when voting begins Monday, contact CIRB Returning Officer Andrew Poon at 343-549-9128.

We’re here today

If there is something you’ve heard, something you’re unsure about or one last question you want answered before voting, come see us today.

Sunday, September 13
Sheraton Cavalier Calgary Hotel
2620 32 Ave NE, Calgary
Canadian Room

10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

You can also call or text me at 416-605-1443.

You’ve heard from Unifor.

You’ve heard from CCEA.

You’ve heard from WestJet.

Most importantly, you’ve talked with each other.

Tomorrow, the decision belongs to you.

Billy O'Neill
Unifor National Representative, Organizing
416.605.1443
billy.oneill@unifor.org

Lucy Alessio
Unifor National Representative, Organizing
416.998.3189
lucy.alessio@unifor.org