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Unpaid Work Won’t Fly Campaign Update #2

A message from the airline division president

I’m excited to let you know that we have over 14,600 signatures to date.

As many of you already know, we have taken our fight to end unpaid work to the floor of the House of Commons. NDP MP Taylor Bachrach has sponsored an official House of Commons petition to fix the Canada Labour Code and make sure that when flight attendants – or any other workers – are at work, in uniform, performing work duties, they’re being paid.

This is an exciting opportunity to bring our message directly to the government in the House of Commons. Even more exciting is the Government of Canada will be required to respond with an official position on this critical issue within 45 days of the petition closing on July 6.

With that in mind, let’s make sure we make our case loud and clear and make sure they can’t ignore us. Let’s gather as many signatures for this petition as we can for the next 2 weeks.

For those working at Non-Union Airlines alike, we welcome your contribution and signatures to this campaign, we hear you all. This can be shared with family and friends, as well on social media platforms!

Please sign the petition today and share widely across your networks!

In solidarity,

Wesley Lesosky
President, CUPE Airline Division

Please find the last update from your Airline Division Council of Presidents

Unpaid Work Wont Fly Campaign Update

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

IMPORTANT REMINDER #2

Registration for Desjardins information sessions

RÉER/RPDB

 

In collaboration with Transat and Desjardins, your pension/retirement committee makes every effort to ensure a smooth transition of your retirement investments from Manulife to Desjardins.

 

It is now up to you to act!

Deadline to make your changes on June 22!

 

Here are the links to register:

 

In French

https://transatpnc.datedechoix.com/main.php?c=379977641430&language=french

 

In English

https://transatpnc.datedechoix.com/main.php?c=379977641430&language=english

 

Do you want more information?

 

Use the RETIREMENT PASSPORT link available on MUNDO on the home page.

All the information is there… enjoy it!!!

 

It’s your money, it’s your retirement!

 

 

Charles-Éric Latour, Chairman of the Committee

Marie-Claude Bourdages, YUL

David Ogilvie, YYZ

Julie Roberts, YVR

Sheena Sumra, YVR, Component link

In this special newsletter to celebrate Pride Month, we want to highlight some important advancements for the 2ELGBTQI community (Two-spirit individuals, lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender, queer, intersex individuals, and others with diverse sexual and gender identities.). In recent years, we have witnessed significant progress in terms of rights, visibility, and inclusion. Here are a few of these advancements:

1. Marriage Equality: In many countries, same-sex marriage is now legal, allowing 2ELGBTQI couples to enjoy the same rights and protections as heterosexual couples.

2. Adoption by Same-Sex Couples: An increasing number of countries recognize the right of same-sex couples to adopt children.

3. Depathologization of Gender Identity: The World Health Organization (WHO) has updated its classification to no longer consider gender identity as a mental disorder.

4. Visibility in Media and Popular Culture: 2ELGBTQI representation in media and popular culture is becoming more prevalent and positive. 2ELGBTQI characters are being featured in films, TV shows, and books, leading to greater visibility and a better understanding of the realities experienced by the community.

5. Legal Protections Against Discrimination: Many countries have adopted laws and policies to protect LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination in employment, housing, and public services. These protections are crucial to ensure equal opportunities for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

These advancements are the result of the efforts and resilience of the 2ELGBTQI community and its allies. However, there is still much work to be done to ensure true equality and inclusion for all members of the community. As supporters, we are encouraged by this progress and committed to continuing to advocate for the rights and well-being of the 2ELGBTQI community.

As we celebrate Pride Month, we pay tribute to these advancements while acknowledging that the fight for equality and inclusion is far from over. Let’s continue to walk hand in hand, building a future where everyone can live freely and proudly, without fear of discrimination or prejudice.

With pride,

Your Executive Committee,

Dominic, Lisa, Martin, Marie-Hélène, Jill, and Sheena

Dear members,

I would like to take a few minutes to inform you that we have met with the company on several occasions in an attempt to reach an agreement regarding the new services starting on June 1st. We will have another meeting on June 12th to assess the progress of the service implementation.

I also want to assure you that the single bars on flight 330 should be back as of June 1st, for the YYZ base.

Thank you, and please continue to keep in touch with us.

Sandrine La Via for the Service Committee,

Contact :

service@atcomponent.com

Chair : Sandrine La Via

Component link : Dominic Levasseur president@atcomponent.com

YUL : Sonia Pereira 2- Nathalie Poliquin

YYZ : 1- Marcus Dearn 2- Tracey King-Tomlinson 3-Julie Macleod

YVR : 1- Leanne Poon 2-Linnea Chaves

 

Following the implementation of Bill 96, companies with a head office in Quebec must set up a francization committee. Our union has a seat on this committee. The francization committee will be made up of six people, including three management representatives and three representatives of Air Transat’s unionized workers.

MANDATE OF THE FRENCH-LANGUAGE COMMITTEE

The members representing the unionized workers are appointed for a maximum period of two years, with the possibility of renewal. The committee will hold a meeting every six months, lasting one to two hours. Members may be required to perform certain tasks between meetings, as needed.

Following the ongoing analysis of Air Transat’s language situation by the OQLF:

• If the company is in compliance, the committee will be responsible for ensuring the widespread use of French within the organization and drafting a report on the evolution of French usage in the company every three years.

• If the company is not in compliance, the committee will be responsible for drafting a francization program that must be adopted by the company, ensuring its implementation, and preparing the annual report on the program’s implementation until obtaining the francization certificate.

During its first meeting, the committee will collectively designate a representative from the workers who, along with the Air Transat management representative, will be responsible for maintaining communication with the OQLF.

Applications should be submitted by email to president@atcomponent.com.

Deadline for submitting your candidacy: June 1st.

The SCFP Quebec Convention 2023 took place last week, from May 14th to 19th, 2023. This gathering holds a crucial importance for trade union democracy as it provides an opportunity for union members to come together and discuss current and future issues, debate policies and directions, and elect leaders who will guide the SCFP Quebec in the years to come.

I had the honor of being elected as the Vice-President of the Airline Sector for CUPE Quebec. This position has great influence in our union and stregnten our place as a group.

This airline sector proudly represents 3 locals, 4041 Air Transat , local  4091 Air Canada YUL, and the newcomer, local  5490 Pascan Aviation.  Our union was represented by  Marie-Hélène Nadeau, Martin Rondeau, Vanessa Leblanc, Lisa Kampis, and Marie-Claude Bourdages and me.Julie Dallaire Bourget, cabin crew at AC, was elected to the CUPE QC General Council as Director of the Airline Sector.

Under the theme “Tenacious,” the Congress highlighted the challenges that workers face in an ever-changing world. We passionately promoted the campaigns “Unpaid work won’t fly” and our demands for legislation to at last establish a federal anti-scab law. In-depth discussions were held on critical subjects including working conditions, collective bargaining, union rights, diversity and inclusion, as well as environmental issues related to the world of work.

The CUPE Québec Congress 2023 also served as a platform for workers to exchange their experiences, learn from one another, and strengthen solidarity. Interactive workshops, training sessions, and expert panels provided participants with opportunities to deepen their understanding of union issues and enhance their skills in representation and mobilization.

As a representative of our interests and rights in CUPE Quebec’s political sphere, we established new allies and explored new avenues to help us in our struggles.

The CUPE Québec Convention 2023 was a resounding success, fueling our commitment to our union principles.

Together, we will continue to fight for workers’ rights and amplify our voices in all aspects work life. Emerging from this convention, we stand strong and determined to persevere in our battle with tenacity and solidarity.

Dominic Levasseur,

President of your component’s executive

 

VANCOUVER, British Columbia–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Statement from Wesley Lesosky, President of the Airline Division of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents 18,500 flight attendants at ten different airlines across Canada:

“Canada’s flight attendants extend our full support to the WestJet pilots who have taken the difficult decision to serve strike notice in order to stand up for better wages and working conditions.

We stand in solidarity with WestJet pilots because their struggle is our struggle too.

We share the same determination as our sisters and brothers at the front of the plane to improve our working conditions, and to demand respect from the airlines who continue to devalue our work.

We know that standing together, united in our collective effort, is the best way to effect positive change for our members.

The airlines know that they wouldn’t be here without their workers, and now is the time for them to show they value and respect the workers who ensure passengers’ safety and this industry’s success every single day.”

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230517005805/en/

The Uniform Committee is still aware of the problems concerning the slowness in receiving pieces of uniform. Lisa Berni and I met with our new VP, Miguel Teixeira on April 5th. We had a very nice meeting. Finally, the Committee’s concerns were listened to. The representatives of Transat’s uniform team have always been shy with information, while with Mr. Teixeira our exchange was honest and informative. Mr. Teixeira confirmed to me that his team is working hard to resolve our concerns.

The Committee takes the opportunity to welcome the new Flight Attendants, we are sincerely sorry that your uniform is not up to par, and especially reduced.

With great sadness, the YVR base will close this summer. A Q&A has been published, however, this information surprised the members of the Committee. The company “asks” those who will leave us to return their uniforms. We remind you that only employees who have not completed their procedures must return their uniforms. Of course, if a YVR member wants to return certain pieces or the whole can do so.

For those who will transfer to YYZ or YUL. You will find in Mundo, MSC, uniform 10.3 the addresses of the suppliers to pick up your uniforms and renewals. At all times please contact uniform@airtransat.com if you need support.

As you know, a new uniform will be created. The Committee wants to hear from you, a survey will be published in the coming months.

Uniform Committee Representative:

President : Daniel Pelletier

Local 4078(YVR): Linnea Chaves and Erika Nekuliak

Local 4047(YYZ): Pamela Hodge and Teresa Barroso. (Grace Miyasaki is absent for the moment following an assignment – Grace will be back)

Local 4041(YUL): Nathalie Gaucher and Erika Nekuliak (effective July 2023)

Email: uniform@atcomponent.com

We remind you to always copy the Committee when sending an email to the IFS regarding your uniform concerns. So we can follow up

 

Thank you and have a great summer.

Your Uniform Committee