Mainline Bargaining Update #22: Week One of Conciliation
Dear Members,
We are writing to provide an update following the first week of conciliation.
Quick Summary:
Due to significant changes in the economic and aviation landscape since 2020, our proposals submitted to date reflected the need to update our collective agreement
At this stage, the Committee has had strategic discussions regarding non-monetary proposals that may have to wait until future rounds of bargaining
Focus remains on the top five priorities identified by the membership
Responses: Company 7, Union 5
Signed off: 4 + 2 LOU
This round of bargaining began with a significant number of proposals being tabled. In many ways, bargaining CA2 represents a near full re-write of our Collective Agreement. That was intentional.
Our first Collective Agreement was negotiated during the COVID-19 pandemic, during one of the most volatile and uncertain periods the aviation industry has ever experienced. At that time, the focus across the industry was stability, survival, and establishing a first agreement. We have also since experienced two integrations with Swoop and Sunwing members, and many other historical moments at WestJet that impact our working and living conditions.
Today, we are bargaining in a completely different environment.
The aviation industry has recovered; operations have stabilized since COVID-19 and the expectations placed on Cabin Crew continue to grow. Although today we face new challenges within the global political community. The working conditions, operational pressures, and cost of living facing our members today are significantly different than they were during our first negotiations. This round of bargaining is about ensuring our Collective Agreement reflects the reality of today’s industry and properly recognizes the value, professionalism, and contributions of our membership.
With the significant number of proposals initially tabled, the Bargaining Committee has had to make strategic decisions as discussions have progressed. In some non-monetary areas, we have made the decision to walk away from certain proposals that we believe may be better positioned for future rounds of bargaining. This is a normal part of the bargaining process, particularly in a round where the Union has put forward an ambitious and comprehensive package.
However, we want to be very clear: we are still actively fighting for your top priorities.
Many of the proposals we brought forward were based on achieving industry-standard language and, in most cases, language above industry standard. While not every proposal will move forward in this round, the core priorities identified by the membership remain at the forefront of every discussion at the table.
Our top bargaining priorities continue to be:
Significant wage increases and triggers
Improvements to scheduling, rest provisions, capturing unpaid work, time off, and reserve;
Better allowances, including meal allowances and improved hotel standards;
Enhanced benefits and health coverage; and
Greater flexibility and improved working options.
During the first week of conciliation, the Committee continued to work through both Union and Company proposals. The Company also provided two additional Letters of Understanding. The Bargaining Committee is reviewing these carefully and assessing them against the priorities identified by the membership, the current Collective Agreement, and the broader impact on our members across the operation.
Conciliation is an important stage in the bargaining process. It brings a federally appointed conciliator, in our case, two, into the discussions to assist the parties in narrowing issues and determining whether a negotiated agreement is possible. While this process can create momentum, it does not mean that the Union will accept proposals that do not meet the needs of the membership.
Our focus remains on achieving meaningful improvements. Negotiations continue to be challenging, and there is still a significant amount of work ahead. Your Bargaining Committee remains committed, focused, and determined to secure improvements that reflect the work you do every day and the conditions you are facing across the network.
Your continued support, engagement, and solidarity remain central to our momentum as we move through this process together.
Responses
Company:
Article 11 - Union Flight Release
Article 12 - Union-Management Relations
Article 17 - Accommodation
Article 25 - Language Qualifications
Article 29 - Discipline, Suspensions and Terminations
Article 36 - Deadheading
Article 46 - Vacation, Statutory Holidays and GDOs
Union:
Article 11 - Union Flight Release
Article 17 - Accommodation
Article 29 - Discipline, Suspensions and Terminations
Article 36 - Deadheading
Article 38 - Commuting
Articles Agreed to in Principle:
Article 11 - Union Flight Release
Article 17 - Accommodation
Article 29 - Discipline, Suspensions and Terminations
Article 30 - Grievance Procedure
2 additional LOUs
How You Can Support Your Bargaining Committee:
Wear your union pin;
Display your Unpaid Work Won’t Fly luggage tag;
Follow and share the Local’s social media;
Reach out directly to the Committee with questions or concerns;
Encourage fellow Cabin Personnel to read their updates.
In the Jumpseat Podcast:
The Local has also released the most recent episode of our Podcast. This episode covers important information regarding Notice of Dispute, Conciliation, and looks to answer Members’ most commonly asked questions around the negotiations process. Members are encouraged to listen on the following Podcast Platforms:
Your unity and visible support for the bargaining process at this stage continues to be essential.
In Unity,
WestJet Mainline Bargaining Committee
YVR / YEG - Jeanfrancois Laframboise jeanfrancois.laframboise@wjcomponent.ca
YYC - Shane Campbell shane.campbell@wjcomponent.ca
YWG / YUL Cailey Millard cailey.millard@wjcomponent.ca
YYZ - Justin Patterson justin.patterson@wjcomponent.ca