We are pleased to officially announce that WestJet Contact Centre members have been assigned to Unifor Local 531!

This is another important milestone in your journey toward securing a first collective agreement and establishing a stronger collective voice in your workplace.

Following your successful vote to join Unifor in September, certification in October, and the completion of your bargaining committee elections, we are now moving into the next important stages of building your union representation and preparing for collective bargaining.

We want to take this opportunity to introduce you to your new local union, explain how representation will work, and outline what you can expect in the weeks ahead.

Welcome to Unifor Local 531

Unifor Local 531 has a proud and growing history of representing WestJet workers.

The local was established in May 2021 following the certification of WestJet workers in Calgary (YYC) and Vancouver (YVR). With 531 founding members, the local adopted the name Local 531.

Since then, the local has continued to grow:

• May 2021: Local 531 was established following the certification of WestJet workers in Calgary and Vancouver.

• June 2023: WestJet workers in Toronto (YYZ) joined the local.

• March 2025: Ramp Service Agents in Calgary and Toronto joined Local 531.

• September 2026: WestJet Contact Centre workers voted in favour of joining Unifor.

• October 2026: Contact Centre members elected their first collective bargaining committee and officially joined Local 531.

Prior to welcoming Contact Centre members, Local 531 represented more than 1,700 WestJet workers across Vancouver, Calgary and Toronto, including employees in both above-the-wing and below-the-wing operations.

Your addition represents another significant step in strengthening Unifor's presence at WestJet and bringing workers together across different departments and classifications.

We also continue to support WestJet Crew Schedulers, whose application for certification remains before the Canada Industrial Relations Board. Their campaign is another important example of WestJet workers seeking a collective voice and meaningful workplace representation.

Meet Your Local Union Leadership

Your Local 531 President is Erica Kelly, who, along with the elected Local Executive Board, will support Contact Centre members as you become part of the local union.

Erica Kelly, President
Email: [email protected]

You can learn more about your local union leadership and the elected executive board here:

Meet the Unifor Local 531 Executive Board

Your assigned Unifor National Servicing Representative is Frances Galambosy.

Email: [email protected]

Frances will work closely with your local union leadership, your elected bargaining committee and Unifor's national resources to support members through the bargaining process and beyond.

Your Bargaining Committee: Preparing for Negotiations

With your bargaining committee elections now complete, our immediate priority is preparing your elected representatives for the important responsibility ahead.

We are currently arranging three days of training for all elected bargaining committee members and their alternates.

This training will provide the committee with an understanding of the collective bargaining process, the roles and responsibilities of elected representatives, developing bargaining proposals, and the work required to negotiate a first collective agreement.

The alternates will participate in this training because we want them to be equally prepared to step into their roles should an elected committee member be unable to complete their duties.

Your bargaining committee will not be working alone. They will have the support of Unifor's experienced national representatives, research resources, legal expertise and the broader strength of our national union.

We Need Your Input: Complete the Bargaining Survey

One of the most important parts of preparing for collective bargaining is hearing directly from you.

We have prepared a fillable bargaining survey and encourage every Contact Centre member to complete it.

Download Survey Here:

This is your opportunity to identify the workplace issues that matter most to you, including wages, benefits, scheduling, job security, outsourcing, workload, seniority, vacation entitlements and workplace fairness.

Your completed survey should be returned to:

[email protected]

The surveys will be compiled and reviewed with your elected bargaining committee, Local 531 leadership and Unifor national representatives.

The information you provide will help establish bargaining priorities and ensure the proposals brought to the negotiating table reflect the needs and expectations of the membership.

Your collective agreement must be shaped by the people who will work under it. Your participation is important.

Workplace Representation While We Negotiate Your First Agreement

We recognize that many members have questions about what union representation looks like now that certification has been granted but a first collective agreement has not yet been negotiated.

We are currently working with WestJet to establish an interim protocol that would allow union representation for Contact Centre members who are called into disciplinary meetings.

It is important to understand that the full workplace representation procedures we intend to negotiate will be established through your first collective agreement.

In the meantime, we appreciate that WestJet has been willing to engage in discussions about an interim arrangement.

While the employer is not obligated to agree to the specific protocol we are proposing before a collective agreement is in place, we believe it is in everyone's interest to establish a fair and cooperative process.

The working relationship Unifor has already developed with WestJet through Local 531 provides a constructive foundation for these discussions.

We will share further information once an interim representation protocol has been established.

In the meantime, if you are called into a disciplinary meeting or have concerns about a workplace process, please reach out for guidance as early as possible.

Bargaining Is Already Underway for WestJet Airport Workers

Your new local union is also actively engaged in negotiations with WestJet for a second collective agreement covering airport workers in Calgary, Vancouver and Toronto.

This is an important reminder that you are joining an established local with direct experience negotiating with your employer.

While Contact Centre members will negotiate their own first collective agreement, there is considerable value in being part of a local union that understands WestJet's operations, workplace structures and labour relations practices.

The experience and knowledge developed through airport bargaining will help strengthen our collective efforts as we continue to build union representation across WestJet.

Who Should You Contact for Assistance?

As we transition into this next phase, we want to ensure that every member knows where to turn for assistance.

Lucy Alessio and I remain available to answer questions, provide guidance and help members navigate the transition into Local 531.

However, moving forward, matters involving workplace discipline, representation or other employment-related processes will increasingly be supported by your Local 531 representatives and Frances Galambosy, your assigned National Servicing Representative.

Where appropriate, and with your permission, Lucy or I will connect you directly with the representatives best positioned to assist.

This transition is an important part of establishing a sustainable union structure that will support Contact Centre members well beyond the initial organizing campaign.

We are not disappearing. Our goal is to ensure you have access to the people, resources and representation you need as your union continues to develop.

Moving Forward Together

There is a great deal to be proud of in what you have accomplished together.

You organized across different classifications, work locations and schedules. You overcame uncertainty, exercised your democratic right to join a union, elected your own bargaining representatives and now have an established local union standing alongside you.

The next chapter is about turning that collective strength into meaningful workplace improvements and enforceable rights through your first collective agreement.

Collective bargaining will take preparation, patience, participation and solidarity. Not every issue will be resolved overnight, but for the first time, you will have an opportunity to negotiate collectively with WestJet over the terms and conditions of your employment.

And importantly, the collective agreement that emerges from those negotiations will be yours to review and vote on.

On behalf of Unifor's Organizing Department, congratulations once again on everything you have accomplished.

We are excited to see Contact Centre members become an active part of Local 531 and look forward to supporting you as you build a strong and democratic union in your workplace.

Welcome to Unifor Local 531. Together, we are stronger.