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On November 24th, the Uniform Committee met with the company in Toronto to discuss many concerns, one mainly being outstanding renewals and difficulties getting orders (full or partial).

 

The committee presented a document entitled “Outstanding Uniform Renewals”. 130 members wrote to us, of which 106 members were missing a full renewal.

We asked the company to reply to us by December 1st with information or solutions concerning all of these outstanding orders.

The company accepted that deadline, but on December 18th, the Company’s uniform link sent an email to the Committee informing us that unfortunately DGJ doesn’t have enough fabric to make all the renewal orders and that the communication with DGJ was not always “clear and precise”. Suffice to say that the committee was not surprised of this information as we had raised that concern many times in the past with the company.

 

Some of you have received an email from inflight’s Uniform team informing you of your renewal being ready for pickup, as it states on this email you have 30 days to pick it up . After 30 days your items will be added to DGJ inventory for others . According to the company , those members have received a previous “renewal-pickup” email. So far the information we are getting from members is that they had never received any previous emails.

 

In the last few weeks reaching DGJ was extremely difficult . The Committee was told that DGJ was busy fitting with uniforms the new hires . The Committee requested to prioritize current members, that request was denied by the Inflight’s uniform team . They informed us that it will however support members with uniform emergencies.The Committee asks that if it would be possible to go through the Inflight uniform team to take appointments for the members. The answer was no .

 

The Committee is trying hard to find solutions to ease uniform concerns , the committee has repeatedly offered their help (calling members to pick up their orders , book appointments , support the Uniform team as they wish) every time our offer was denied .

 

On the subject of a new winter jacket . The company has informed us that they do not want to reopen that subject for now.

If any of you are having difficulties to reach DGJ in YYZ or YUL . Please contact the inflight uniform team.

uniform@airtransat.com

 

The committee is wishing you all a fashionable and peaceful Holiday Season and a Happy New Year .

 

Uniform Committee

The Crew Meal Committee became very interested in the crew meals after coming back from covid and seeing what was provided for us. We wanted healthier and tastier!

 

We have been working hard as a committee and the company to find new and healthier crew meal options!

 

The meal of the day!

 

The Buddha Bowl was presented to us with its beautiful colors and wonderful flavors.

It has been received very well by our members, as it covers most vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options.

Only offered on the outbound to guarantee freshness!

 

Updates!

 

The latest updates to get you through the day

 

We are burning through the snack attack packs as it wasn’t received well by the members, we are finding a new solution.

 

– Eska is back, it has been going into rotation on most flights, there will be some other brands loaded while we burn through those as well.

– Waiting to get nutritional values on crew meals updated

– Don’t forget to offer the front end the Yogurt parfait, Bento box, Grilled cheese & soup and Buddha Bowl options!

– We have asked for the cheese to be removed from the chilli, to make it vegan and lactose options.

– If your snacks aren’t there, please take pics and put it in the flight report.

– second meal cycle almost complete

 

 

Outbound Snacks

-2 Carrots

-2 Fruit

2- Snack Attack

2- Cheese and Crackers

 

Inbound Snacks

4- Miss Vickie’s Chips

4-Protein BARS

4-Berry Power

 

Don’t forget to put everything in your flight reports, otherwise we cant take the issues to the company

 

 

Don’t hesitate to contact us : crewmeal@atcomponent.com

 

In Solidarity,

 

 

Chair : Stephanie Davy-Griffith

Component link : Jill Patterson

Air Transat : Fernando Moreira

YUL : Sandra Remelgado

YYZ : Stephanie Davy-Griffith, Amanda Michalopoulos

YVR: Chantal Arsenault & Kait Glasser

The most recent service committee meeting was held on October 12, 2022.

At the meeting, there were a number of outstanding topics that were discussed along with new topics such as new green initiatives, menu changes, product sourcing and changes, and discussions of service flows on the A321LR. Test flights for service flows on South A321L were conducted in November.

Product Sourcing

Green Initiatives:

There is ongoing planning to reduce single use plastics on board, while seeking out products to reduce our environmental impact. We have seen the introduction of bamboo stir sticks, and UHT milk and creamers to reduce waste.

They are currently sourcing out new cups for hot and cold beverages. The hot ‘super cups’ will be made with greener materials, and each sleeve will hold double the number of cups, thus reducing space. The cold cups that they are sourcing is a product called Bagass which is made from sugarcane fibers. Planned to be online for spring 2023.

Plastic cutlery will be replaced with wood cutlery by spring of 2023. They are also looking into an agave plant by-product which can be used to produce cutlery that have a plastic or seaweed look.

 

Onboard Products

 

Club:

November 1st marked the changes in Club meal offerings. You’ll see new casseroles such as Coq au Vin and Cheese Agnolotti with Matane Shrimp, while Osso Bucco and Eggplant Caprese will remain.

**Please note that the Osso Bucco is made with pork, not veal.

Club single use salt and pepper shakers will be removed from the TSU’s and we will see the re-introduction of the pepper grinder.

Over the next six to nine months, discussions about the Club service will be made with the intention of revamping the service.

 

Economy:

Changes in Canada and Europe economy casseroles are to come for spring 2023.

 

Option Plus

South Option Plus passengers receive complimentary:

• 1 Set of earbuds
• 1 Comfort Kit (Inbound to Canada is on request only)
• First BOB service only:

○ 1 alcoholic beverage (excluding sparkling wine)
○ 1 Bistro snack item

Please Note: An Option Plus passenger who has pre-ordered products such as trios, they are entitled to standard items above and their pre-ordered items including snack/beverage as applicable.

 

Europe Option Plus passengers receive complimentary:

• 1 Set of earbuds
• 1 Comfort Kit
• First Beverage Service only:

○ 1 Bistro snack
○ 1 alcoholic beverage

• During meal service only:

○ 1 bottle of wine or 1 can of beer
Please note: If service begins with a meal instead of a bar, and the passenger asks for an alcoholic beverage, they are entitled to it along with their wine or beer with their meal.

 

 

Bistro Snacks:

• Maynard’s
• Bad Monkey Popcorn
• Pringles
• Kit Kat

 

Beverage:

• 1 bottle of wine
• 1 can of beer
• 1 spirit
• Non-alcoholic beverage

*Note: Sparkling wine is excluded and never complimentary.

 

UHT milk

UHT is short for Ultra-High Temperature pasteurization. After UHT milk is pasteurized and cooled, it is sealed in airtight sterilized containers which can be stored at room temperature, and remain shelf stable for months until the package is opened. Once opened, the milk has to be stored in the refrigerator and consumed quickly. UHT has no added preservatives and retains its
nutrients.

 

Some of us have been back on the line for over six months, while some of us are just starting again and getting back into the groove after two years. As a refresher, the CSM is your best friend. It is your resource for in-depth information on inflight services and products offered. You can even find cooking times in the CSM. The CSM is also available on the FD iPad, service plans and ingredients lists, so don’t be shy to use it during your flight.

 

The Commissary and Onboard Experience Team is back to publishing weekly updates which are sent to your work email. These updates along with the Inflight News will provide the most up to date information on service changes, product changes, stock ruptures and substitutions.

 

 

Our next service meeting will be held in March 2023. If you have comments, ideas or feedback, please email us. We appreciate all the input we’ve received to date.

 

service@atcomponent.com

 

In solidarity,

 

Your Service Committee

 

Sandrine La Via, Sonia Pereira, Marcus Dearn, Tracey King-Tomlinson, Julie Macleod, Leanne Poon, Linnea Chaves

Bargaining update

 

As stipulated in our bylaws,

1. No business shall be transacted at the Special Meeting other than that for which the meeting is called and notice given.

 

Single subject on the agenda:

 

Update on the negotiation process and the key issues at stake.

 

TOPIC ON THE AGENDA

A presentation of the stakes will be followed by a question period.

The english special meeting will be held at 3 pm EST on DEC 19th

Due to confidentiality and identification, we are requiring that you log in using the zoom app and your proper legal name.

To register for the 3 pm meeting, click here

We look forward seeing you all.

 

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

 

It has been over 30 years since the murder of 14 young women at Polytechnique Montréal (December 6, 1989). This act of violent misogyny shook our country and led Parliament to designate December 6 as The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.

 

On December 6, we remember:

• Geneviève Bergeron
• Hélène Colgan
• Nathalie Croteau
• Barbara Daigneault
• Anne-Marie Edward
• Maud Haviernick
• Maryse Laganière
• Maryse Leclair
• Anne-Marie Lemay
• Sonia Pelletier
• Michèle Richard
• Annie St-Arneault
• Annie Turcotte
• Barbara Klucznik-Widajewicz

 

As we mourn their loss and remember their lives, we reaffirm our commitment to fight the hatred that led to this tragedy, and the misogyny that still exists today. In Canada and around the world, women, girls, 2SLGBTQI+  and Aboriginal communities individuals face unacceptable violence and discrimination.

 

Gender-based violence in Canada has been magnified and amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic. There have been reports from police services, shelters, and local organization of an increase in calls related to gender-based violence across Canada during the pandemic.

 

The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women is about remembering those who have experienced gender-based violence and those who we have lost to it. It is also a time to take action. Achieving a Canada free from gender-based violence requires everyone living in this country to educate themselves and their families and communities on gender-based violence, centre the voices of survivors in our actions and speak up against harmful behaviours.

 

 

 

Ways to honour the victims of this tragedy on December 6:

 

• Wear a white ribbon. You can make one at home.
• Observe a moment of silence at 11:00 am.
• Attend a vigil in your community.
• Follow CUPE on Facebook, or on their web site and share their National Day of Remembrance post.
• Additional resources : Ontario Association of Interval and Transition Houses, sos domestic violence

 

 

In Solidarity

Dominic, Lisa, Marie-Hélène, Jill et Sheena

Source : Government of Canada and CUPE

Your Union in Action! 


This week I had the privilege of representing you during a 2 day meeting in Vancouver to work and create a common strategic plan for all CUPE affiliated cabin crew unions across Canada. In attendance were the presidents of (left to right on the photo) Calm Air, Sunwing, WestJet, Westjet Encore, Swoop, Pascan Aviation, Air Transat, Flair, Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge.

It is amazing to see the solidarity that is emerging among us at the airline division. We are the next union group to negotiate our contract and I left this meeting confident that everyone will be with us when the time comes. More details on this project will follow in the coming weeks.

Here is the official press release:

Click here

 

Presse release:

 

CUPE’s Airline Division Component Presidents are meeting this week in Vancouver to discuss how to end the widespread industry use of unpaid labour. Flight attendants regularly perform hours of unpaid work every time they report for duty – a practice that must stop.

 

 

“If you’re a firefighter, a bank teller, an electrician, or almost any other profession in Canada, when you show up for work and perform work duties, you’re on the clock and you’re compensated for your time. For flight attendants in Canada, that simply isn’t the case,” said Wesley Lesosky, President of the Airline Division. “Flight attendants deserve to be paid for hours worked, and we’re going to step up this fight to make sure they are.”

 

Although there are variations at each airline, generally speaking, most flight attendants in Canada are at work, in uniform, performing work-related duties long before they start – and long after they stop – getting paid. It is estimated that between 20 and 50 per cent of a Canadian flight attendant’s time at work is unpaid. Unpaid work may include things like prepping aircraft, boarding and deplaning passengers, gate duties, and safety-related duties.

 

The division presidents have been meeting this week to put plans in place to present a strong and united front across CUPE’s ten different airline groups, and raise public awareness and mobilize members to end this unfair and exploitive practice.“

 

 

This is a totally unacceptable industry practice that only exists because nobody knows about it,” said Rena Kisfalvi, Secretary-Treasurer of the Division. “That is about to change.”

CUPE’s Airline Division represents approximately 18,500 flight attendants working at ten different airlines in Canada.

 

In Solidarity,

Dominic Levasseur

Your Component President

 

Temporary changes to our hotels in Ottawa and Montréal downtown.

 

YOW

We wish to inform you that following a fire at our crew hotel in Ottawa, the Marriott, our crews will be relocated to the Delta Marriott, 2 min walk from the Marriott.

Equivalent quality. The relocation will be for the month of December. To be followed.

YUL

In order to protect our crews during the COP 15 near our crew hotel in downtown Montreal, it is possible that you will be relocated during your 20H+ layovers in YUL between December 7th and 19th. We have done our investigation and these relocations are also in place for our colleagues at AC.

Important update on service at 4 cabin crew on the A321 neo LR South and domestic with a club class service. The Union, in collaboration with your Service Committee would like to share the following update. It is imperative that the service plans be respected on all flights despite the possible problems that this may cause (length of service, etc). We know that the current service is difficult and increases your workload considerably.   The union stands by its position: If club service is offered, we must have 5 cabin crew on the A321 neo LR! The agreement signed in January 2021 states that the service must be done in one sequence. Traditional club service is a dedication for us that requires its own flight attendant. We have proposed solutions to IFS to lighten your workload. Some of them have been accepted, but for unknown reasons have not been implemented as of yet. Here are a few exemples: no beverage service on the ground, sparkling wine must be served with the first bar, wine service is done with small bottles of wine and salty snacks must be individually wrapped.   These changes, while minimal, are positive. It is clear, however, that the workload remains too high and the situation cannot be tolerated all winter! The current services are causing dissatisfaction with our economy customers, our Club customers and are causing stress and frustration to our crews.   We have taken our A321 crew complement grievance to arbitration and are confident that we can win this case.   In the interest of cooperation, our Health and Safety and Service Committee teams have agreed to participate in four test flights. We shall see what the results will be in the end of these tests in the coming days. Therefore, once again, please follow the appropriate service flows. Did you know that IFS does not share with the Service Committee your comments and suggestions written in the flight reports?   Please, do not wait any more, share your comments with the service committee team at: service@atcomponent.com your comments are important to us.   Dominic Levasseur for your component executive

Call for Nominations – Vacancy – 2 Component Trustees Positions (mandate: 1 and 2 years)

 

There are two (2) vacant Component Trustee positions for the remainder of the term ending on January 31, 2024. In accordance with the Air Transat Component Bylaws, the call for nominations for this position is being issued.

 

This is a great opportunity if you have been thinking about getting involved in the Union but are unsure as to how much time you can commit. Trustees play an important role, ensuring accountability for the financial affairs of the membership.

 

 

 

Members who desire to be nominated for the position of Component Trustee, shall file nomination papers and must have at least 50 signatures from eligible voters on the“Membership List”.

 

 

NOTE: Nomination forms and instructions will be available from the Component Tabulating Committee at attabulating@gmail.com

Candidates shall disclose their full name and intended position (Component Trustee, mandate 1 year or mandate 2 years) clearly on the nomination papers prior to soliciting signatures.

 

* IMPORTANT: Due to the current COVID-19 Pandemic, and on an exceptional basis, the Component Tabulating Committee will accept electronic signatures on nomination forms for the vacant Component Trustee position. An electronic signature must be the member’s actual signature and not simply the member’s name typed onto the nomination form. This will allow for members not actively in the workplace to nominate a candidate for a delegate position. Please do not hesitate to contact the tabulating committee for more details.

 

 

The nomination form must be filled out in its entirety by the candidate, signed off and dated prior to scanning for electronically received signatures. We are doing this to ensure all members have an opportunity to run, as well as ensure all members have an opportunity to collect signatures. With the COVID pandemic in place, many of you are not able to access your work sites or Union offices due to not having a RAIC.

 

DEADLINE: Completed, original nomination sheets, along with a short (one paragraph) cover letter from the candidate accepting his/her nomination, must be received by the Tabulating chair no later than 5:00PM (EST) December 14, 2022 at the following address:

 

AIR TRANSAT COMPONENT TABULATING COMMITTEE

 

P.O. Box 34015

TORONTO RPO ROSEDALE,

ONTARIO

M4S 0C4

 

 

Nomination sheets received after 5:00PM (EST) December 14, 2022 will NOT be accepted. The Tabulating Committee recommends sending your documentation by registered mail or courier to ensure timely delivery and receipt.

 

 

 

In Solidarity,

Maria Zongos, for your Component Tabulating Committee

On November 14, 1987 an Air Transat L1011 took off for the first time. Today marks the 35th anniversary of flight TS 106, the inaugural flight between Montreal (YMX) and Acapulco (ACA). TS quickly expanded across the country, first to YYZ and then to YVR!

 

To be able to take off successfully, it took people who believed in the crazy dream of a Quebec airline. People who were ready to launch themselves into an adventure a bit like jumping into a free fall, but with the confidence of success and the passion of the profession.

 

It was necessary to hire and train two classes of cabin crew in order to start operations. So, long before the first flight, in-flight service and the training department were at work. A few weeks later, the adventure began in YYZ, with the hiring of additional cabin crew for the spring/summer 1988 season.

 

Today we would like to salute those people who paved the way for us and, even more, recognize and thank those who were there long before the first flight and who are still with us today.

 

We salute the path made by you, for all of us!

 

We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for having decided to take a chance on this project and for still believing in it today.

 

Let’s celebrate your 35 years of service, and many more to come,

 

Thank you to our colleagues :

 

Fall 1987

François Viau

Louise Couture

Catherine Ancel

Gilles Massé

Marie-Josée Boulais

Hélène Caron

Marie-Josée Picard

Louise Lefebvre

France Léveillé

Julie Allman

Christine Lavallée

Sylvie Loiselle

Sophie Brunet

 

Spring 1988

Natalie Pelletier

Mark Wozniak

Maurice Mekies

 

 

Special mention to the late Denyse Allard, Flight Director and founding member

If some are not named, it is not intentional. All who celebrate 35 years of service this year are honored by this message.

 

Your component executive team, Dominic, Lisa, Martin, Marie-Hélène, Jill and Sheena as well as all of your local union teams!