Bargaining Update #5 - Week 4 at the Table

Dear Members,

Your Bargaining Committee concluded its fourth week of in-person negotiations with the Company last week. For live updates and to track the status of each article, please visit the Article Tracker at www.wjcomponent.ca/negotiation-tracker.

Limited Changes to Company Proposals

This week saw a noticeable slowdown in momentum at the table.  We believe it’s important for members to be aware that a few of the most recent proposals tabled by the Company included only very limited changes (one word) from the existing language. The Bargaining Committee has expressed its disappointment in this approach, particularly given that the Company has repeatedly shared with our membership that they recognize the need for meaningful improvements.

While we cannot share specific proposal details, we feel it is important to keep members informed in a timely and transparent manner about the overall themes and direction of discussions. We have met with the Company to clearly communicate our concerns and expectations, and we look forward to seeing more substantive and constructive movement when negotiations resume this week in YYC.

Disclosure Data

The Bargaining Committee submitted formal requests for information from the Company earlier in bargaining, and we are now beginning to receive the data necessary to move discussions forward.  

This information is essential for the Bargaining Committee, as it guides how we develop our proposals, respond to those presented by the Company, and understand the broader context that disclosure provides. We were only able to request this information once notice to bargain was issued on September 16th.

For Unions, bargaining is often the only opportunity to access this level of information, which makes timely and complete disclosure not only a matter of good faith but a fundamental obligation under the Canada Labour Code. With the data now being provided, the Committee is actively reviewing and analyzing it to ensure our work is informed, evidence-based, and reflective of the realities our members face.

Preliminary Reserve Concept Discussions - Building an Informed Approach

This past week, the Bargaining Committee met with the Employer for a preliminary concept conversation on Reserve. These preliminary discussions are designed to give both sides an opportunity to explore the topic before formal proposals are exchanged. Together, we reviewed different models, including how other airlines and departments within the Company manage Reserve, as well as system options, limitations, operational constraints, and relevant data that are not typically accessible to the Union outside of bargaining.

The goal of the several discussions ahead is to build an understanding of how Reserve functions, what challenges exist for both sides, and how potential changes could impact our members.  

Once this groundwork is established, proposal writing becomes more precise and effective, as the Bargaining Committee can approach the issue from an informed and evidence-based standpoint.  These meetings further support the need for the Reserve survey so that we can better understand the priorities of the membership.  

We were encouraged to hear the Company acknowledge that rest, among other key issues, remains a shared concern and an area both sides recognize as needing change.

Looking Ahead: The Next Phase of Bargaining

Our next Learning Series document will be released soon, giving members the opportunity to gain deeper insight into the collective bargaining process and what lies ahead.

Your Bargaining Committee is preparing to move into the next stage of negotiations, where discussions will focus on the most substantial and high-impact articles in our agreement. While the articles signed off to date are important, the weeks ahead will see attention shift to the priorities most central to our membership; Wages, Unpaid Work, Scheduling, and Rest Rules.

This next phase will require ongoing member engagement. You can expect your committee to continue seeking your input through surveys and communications on a range of topics that directly affect your work and quality of life.

In Unity,

WestJet Bargaining Committee

Alia Hussain - President
Bryan Hansraj - WestJet Unit VP
Jean-Francois Laframboise - YVR/YEG Rep
Shane Campbell - YYC Rep
Justin Patterson - YYZ Rep
Cailey Millard - YWG/YUL Rep
Alex Grigoriev - Local Executive (Alternate)
Cameron Jones - Local Executive (Alternate)