An excellent week has just ended. Your Negotiating Committee met for three days this week, including one day with the employer. I’m very pleased with the work accomplished by our Negotiating Committee members. The team is strong and working hard to improve our working conditions.
I would like to take a moment to share with you some information about our negotiations. We began bargaining last April, exactly 5 months ago.
Historically, negotiations are held over a period of 12 to 15 months. I would like to reassure you that we are proceeding in the normal course of negotiations. I understand however, that the process may seem longer. (For more infos collective bargaining steps)
You have to bear in mind that we postponed negotiations by a year ( October 2021 to October 2022) in January 2022, right in the middle of the omicron wave. At that time, 30% of flights were being cancelled and the sky was darkening. This was the best way to protect our rights, as the company demanded major concessions on the grounds of the company’s very survival.
Since then, the sky has cleared. Our balance of power has improved dramatically. All members are at work. The company has not only returned to profitability, but made a healthy profit last quarter. Indicators are positive, profit margins are improving to historic high, not to mention the fact that passengers named us the best carrier in Canada according to an international survey published in protegez-vous magazine.( in FR only) The quality of our on-board service is an important aspect of this survey.
We are the front-line workers and the face of Transat. These results are due in large part to our exemplary work. Bravo to all of you for your excellent work!
We have three meetings scheduled for next week, on September 18-19 and 20.
NOTE: In the coming weeks, your mobilisation committee will be more and more active. More info to come
In solidarity
Dominic Levasseur
President of your component