WestJet Ramp Workers Join Unifor: A Game-Changer for Worker Rights

Unifor proudly welcomes 160 Ramp Operations workers in Toronto and Calgary to our union! These workers will join the collective agreement, representing approximately 1,600 WestJet employees.

This agreement, endorsed today, December 12, 2024 by the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB), reaffirms the power of workers' rights—the commitment and effort by Ramp workers who demanded fairness, respect, and a voice at work. WestJetters across Canada continue to realize the importance of having a union that will fight for them—not just now, but for the future.

Key Gains for Ramp Workers:

The integration of Ramp Service Agents and Ramp Service Coordinators into Unifor brings significant opportunities for meaningful change:

  1. Certification Confirmation: Once the CIRB confirms Ramp workers' wishes, they will officially be included under the existing Unifor Certificate. This ensures their rights are safeguarded under a legally binding agreement.

  2. Collective Agreement Amendments: Necessary amendments to the collective agreement will specifically address Ramp workers' unique needs, ensuring their concerns are at the forefront. These changes will reflect workers' priorities—because collective decisions require worker input.

  3. Binding Arbitration for Resolution: Any unresolved amendments will be decided by February 15, 2025. If this timeline is not met, the process will move to Arbitrator William Kaplan in binding arbitration. This guarantees a swift and fair resolution so that Ramp workers can start enjoying the benefits of union membership without delay.

  4. Transition Timeline: Ramp workers will benefit from a carefully managed integration process to ensure their needs are met and their rights protected.

These steps show how joining Unifor is about making your voice heard and shaping the workplace to reflect fairness, respect, and dignity.

Why WestJetters Are Choosing Unifor

The decision to unionize reflects a collective understanding that employer-driven associations like the Airports Employee Association (AEA) fail to meet workers' needs. The AEA offers no real voice, negotiation leverage, or protection when management makes unilateral decisions.

By joining Unifor, workers gain:

  • A Real Voice at Work: Decisions are made by workers, not imposed by management.
  • Bargaining Power: Collective strength ensures that the employer listens and delivers fair contracts.
  • Job Security: Unionized workers are protected from arbitrary changes, ensuring that conditions and benefits can't be taken away without negotiation.
  • Better Pay and Benefits: Unionized workplaces consistently achieve higher wages and better working conditions.

Edmonton Workers: Be the Change

With WestJetters in Ramp and Passenger Services now represented in Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary, the final group tied to the employer-controlled AEA is in Edmonton.

Imagine the power and solidarity of workers across Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver, and Toronto united under Unifor. YEG workers can join this growing movement, take control of their futures, and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with their peers.

If you haven't signed a membership card yet, now is the time to step up. Change doesn't happen by waiting—it happens when workers take action together.

Breaking Free from Failed Employer Associations

Unifor continues to organize workers trapped in employer-controlled associations like CCEA and TAPS. These groups are designed to keep workers divided and powerless, with no real say in decisions. By joining Unifor, workers in these groups gain representation that is independent, strong, and worker-focused.

Many WestJetters in these groups have already begun signing membership cards and contacting Unifor for support. This is your opportunity to join a growing movement for fairness, respect, and collective strength.

The Power of Union Density

With 320,000 members across diverse sectors—including aviation, telecommunications, and more—Unifor is Canada's largest private-sector union. As more WestJetters join, the density of Unifor unionized workers within the company increases. This growing strength amplifies your bargaining power and ensures management listens when workers speak.

Unifor isn't just about protecting what you already have—it's about making gains for the future. With each new group that joins, we strengthen the collective voice of all WestJet workers.

Sectoral Representation:

Through dedicated councils like the Aviation Council, Telecommunications Council, and ETOP Council, Unifor ensures that industry experts address your specific concerns. Whether it's improving safety procedures, advocating for fair scheduling, or addressing new technologies, Unifor is there to represent your interests and fight for meaningful solutions.

Together, We Can Achieve More

The story of the latest group of workers joining Unifor is just the beginning. WestJetters across IT, the Operations Control Centre, Contact Centres, and more are signing membership cards to join a union that truly represents their interests. Every signature strengthens your collective ability to win better contracts and protect your rights.

If you've already signed your card, thank you for standing up for fairness and justice at work. If you haven't, there's never been a better time to join. Together, we can secure a stronger, fairer future for all WestJet workers.

Join the movement. Be the change. Unifor is here to fight for you—guaranteed.

In solidarity,

Billy O’Neill
Unifor National Representative Organizing
416.605.1443
[email protected]

Lucy Alessio
Unifor National Coordinator Organizing
416.998.3189
[email protected]