Summer is already upon us, and there’s plenty to keep us busy. Today, I’d like to give you an update on the work and actions of your component. I invite you to read to the end, as I have many topics to cover.
Since May 4th, my colleague Lisa Berni, Vice-President of the component, has been on indefinite leave. On behalf of the whole team, I wish her a prompt recovery. Her absence from a critical position in our union has a significant impact on my work and that of the entire team. We have explored our options, and our bylaws and regulations do not allow for a temporary replacement. Therefore, I have submitted a request for an interpretation of the bylaws to CUPE national . A solution must be found quickly to ensure that your component functions properly.
June is a dark month for our colleagues in Vancouver. The base will close on June 30th. Since the announcement of the closure, the component has been working tirelessly in conjunction with Local 4078 in negotiating LOU#24, which aims to mitigate job losses caused by the closure of YVR. We have expanded the committee to include three YVR members in the negotiations of this agreement.
The last Local 4078 assembly took place on June 6th. During this assembly, I had intended to announce that Sheena would remain a member of the negotiation committee despite the closure of YVR. It was crucial to maintain representation of Local 4078 members in the collective bargaining process. However, I was unable to participate in this assembly as I was informed a few minutes before it started that Local 4078’s bylaws do not allow for guests via Zoom. This explains my absence and Martin Rondeau’s absence at yesterday’s assembly. I sincerely apologize for this situation. Please note that on the same day, a local assembly was held at YUL. All YVR members who wished to attend were accepted at the meeting for the sake of inclusion.
I would like to welcome all YVR members who have made the difficult decision to transfer to YYZ or YUL in order to retain their employment. I would also like to wish the best of success and courage to the members who have had no choice but to leave us for another job. Let’s not forget the members who have decided to retire – enjoy your retirement!
My colleagues and friends in YYZ, I know you are going through challenging times. workforce management has an impact on your quality of life. Together with Local 4047, the component is advocating on your behalf in front of senior management. Despite this, the company maintains its management rights, which have a major impact on many of our members quality of life. Smartlynx should have been shared between YUL and YYZ simply because YYZ does not have the necessary workforce. We were promised that hiring would be a solution, but the restrictions attached to Smartlynx have a significant impact on mainline CA. Local 4047 is doing an outstanding job and provides almost daily reports to the component’s executive on the reality of YYZ. The coming weeks in June are busy, but I fully intend to visit you at YYZ in early July.
In Montreal, by-elections were held for the VP position of Local 4041. I would like to congratulate Martin Charpentier on his election. Well done, Martin, and thank you to the other candidates for putting yourselves forward to represent the members.
Four final topics: audits of the component’s books for 2020-21-22, crew complement on the A321neo LR south, reserve assistance, and bargaining.
The book audit has been completed by the trustees for the years 2020 and 2021. The audit reports have been approved by the executive committee and need to be presented at the assembly. During local 4041 meeting yesterday, the reports could not be presented due to procedural rules. This decision requires us now to hold a special assembly in the coming weeks to present trustees reports to the membership. The book audit for the year 2022 is currently being planned.
A321neoLR at 4. The hearing for our arbitration is scheduled for October 2023. I know it’s a long time before we can present our evidence, but we won’t give up. Please continue to share your feedback with us through the form on the website www.atcomponent.com . This data is extremely useful to us. I would like to point out that HS is also involved in this matter. Feel free to contact them as well.
Reserves. I know that you regularly contact us about RSV issues, as the company often uses you too often without respecting the collective agreement. In collaboration with the locals, we have created a RSV assistance form. Please report any incidents that do not comply with the collective agreement. This tool will allow the locals to provide you with a prompt follow-up. Remember that if an article of the agreement is not respected, you should file a grievance!
Please be aware that your component and local teams are here to help and support you. During this negotiation period, all members of the negotiation committee will be dedicated to this mission: to obtain the best possible collective agreement. It is essential, for the smooth progress of our negotiations, that you address your general questions, requests for grievance assistance, and others directly to the elected officials of your local sections. They are your entry points to the union.
The negotiation committee needs your support. The strength of the committee lies in the support of its members towards the negotiation committee. We are often asked what the union is asking for. Your negotiation committee presented the main directions of its demands last December. These demands are based on the collective priorities of the group. In the end, it will be the members who decide whether the agreement is good or not. Just like you, we are eager to reach an agreement. Too many of our members are currently suffering, and solutions must be implemented without further delay. Your committee is well aware of this, and we are following the established legal negotiation process. #IStandWithMyNegotiatingCommittee
Lastly, I met with some of you on May 31st at the arrivals in YUL. With the negotiating team, we will plan for more mobilization dates. Stay tuned.
I want to thank you for your support. Sometimes, I find it difficult not to be among you on flights more often. Believe me, it’s not due to a lack of interest. I’m a flight attendant who spent 25 years in the field before getting involved in the union. I am well aware of the challenges, as I have experienced them myself. The success of a union lies in its closeness to its members.
In solidarity.
Dominic Levasseur
Component President