We all understand that sometimes you need to stay late at work. Flights get delayed, and staff are needed at both ends to help passengers find their way and get their luggage. It’s part of the job, and part of the reality that you and your families have learned to live with working in this industry.

That’s only fair. What’s not fair is that you might be expected to put in those extra hours for no pay at all, let alone at overtime rates.

With a union, the rules for such situations are spelled out. The specifics can change from one collective agreement to another, based on the priorities of the workplaces, but two basic principles remain constant: you get paid for every hour you work, and after a set number of hours, you get overtime pay.

The AEA and the employer will tell you that what WestJet is doing is okay under federal law, but that’s not always the whole truth and also not the point.

With a union, your rights begin with federal laws, and then build on top of that. And the laws become part of your collective agreement – meaning that if there is a dispute between workers and the company about how to apply federal law, the union can fight your case. The employer cannot just say something is okay under federal law and leave it at that.

It shouldn’t have to be said, but you deserve to be paid for every hour you work. Unfortunately, without a union, there is no effective way to make sure that happens.

Only a union can stand up for you when you need it.

Sign a Unifor membership card and gain a voice in the workplace. Encourage your co-workers to sign a card, as well. If you have any questions or to get Unifor cards for you and your co-workers, contact one of your organizers.

Contact us! Talk to our organizing representatives! All calls are confidential.

Ontario
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