This past week in aviation has offered a powerful lesson—not just for unionized workers, but for anyone in the sector watching from the sidelines.

What It Means for Non-Union Workers

The truth is clear: without true union representation, you don't have much power—your employer holds almost all the cards. Even employee associations like AEA, CCEA, and TAPS—which exist within the company structure—lack the legal muscle to stand firm when it counts. The Air Canada CUPE flight crew strike underscored this: collective bargaining gives workers the enforceable rights necessary to negotiate on even ground.

Democracy in the Workplace

The flight attendants’ strike was declared unlawful, but it revealed something important: public support remained firmly with the workers. Why? Because most people understand that if you are working, you should be paid for every hour you work. Even those inconvenienced by cancellations recognized the basic fairness of the fight.

The federal government attempted to use Section 107 of the Canada Labour Code to end the strike, but here’s the reality: while government can direct the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to issue an order, it cannot force the CIRB to uphold that order with fines or penalties. Without enforcement, the employer and quickly realized the only path forward was genuine collective bargaining. Within hours, a tentative deal was reached.

This echoes the broader history of Canadian labour relations. After WWII, major strikes and unrest led to the creation of a system where workers gave up the right to strike freely in exchange for legally protected union recognition and collective bargaining rights. That “Great Compromise” was meant to balance stability with democracy in the workplace. But when employers or governments lean too heavily on legal loopholes like Section 107, that balance is threatened.

As other groups at Air Canada and here at WestJet head to the bargaining table in the coming months, the message is clear: Section 107 is not a guaranteed lever for employers. Real, old-fashioned collective bargaining is what leads to fair deals — without chaos in the skies.

This is why building strong unions matters. Together, we ensure that workers’ voices are heard, respected, and backed up with real power at the table.

Why Employee Associations Fall Short

It’s true that these associations have limited power compared to a union. But they also bear responsibility. By propping up internal systems, they give workers a false sense of security and delay the only real solution: collective bargaining.

This isn’t new. The AEA once told airport workers their jobs were safe, even when Unifor had already shown proof in the purchase agreement that jobs were only guaranteed for one year unless covered by a union contract. Shortly after, GSA jobs and entire bases were outsourced.

Now, the CCEA is making the same promises, even as WestJet continues to move forward with outsourcing. That isn’t protecting workers — it’s enabling the company’s plan.

If those in association roles truly want to protect jobs, they should be open to real solutions: endorsing unionization. Anything less delays meaningful change and leaves workers vulnerable.

The Core Lesson

Collective bargaining isn’t just a tool for better wages and working conditions—it’s the foundation of workplace democracy. Without it, workers are left depending on employer goodwill and political expediency. The Air Canada strike showed that when bargaining is weakened, workers and the travelling public alike pay the price.

Now more than ever, WestJet workers need the strength of a union to ensure your rights, your jobs, and your futures are secure.

If you're not sure whether your card is still valid, or if you’re just getting started, reach out to an organizer and we’ll help you check. You can always sign a new card here:
👉 join.unifor.org/westjet

In solidarity,

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

Don’t wait—click here to sign your card today!