Mainline Bargaining Update #26: Week Five of Conciliation
Dear Members,
QUICK SUMMARY
Company Articles Passed: 8
Union Articles Passed: 7
Three total LOUs passed
All monetary items currently with the Employer
The Union is awaiting a full agreement and monetary package
Our bargaining sessions in Calgary this week resulted in a significant number of article passes exchanged by both parties. As has been the case in recent weeks, the majority of outstanding items now remain with the Company. Your bargaining committee responded to all passes within 24 to 48 hours, unless an item was intentionally held for future discussions tied to monetary matters. We remain committed to reaching an agreement at the table and to using the available time and conciliation process as efficiently as possible. Our preparedness and the speed of our responses reflect that commitment.
All monetary articles continue to sit with the Employer. The committee tabled our full monetary package on April 14, along with several additional proposals that carry indirect but meaningful monetary implications. Without clarity on the budgetary value the Company has assigned to this contract, the committee is left waiting for these essential discussions to resume.
For some time, the Bargaining Committee has requested that the Company provide a comprehensive “package” to work with. The reason we continue to press for a full package is straightforward: we need to understand the total value the Company has placed on the entire collective agreement. Only when we can see the complete picture including both the Company’s priorities and the overall monetary framework, can we begin reallocating value based on the priorities identified by the membership, not just those of the Employer.
Package‑style bargaining groups multiple issues together for discussion, rather than addressing articles one by one as we have been doing to this point. This approach allows both parties to consider trade‑offs across several issues at once, potentially evolving something in one area while gaining in another, to work toward an overall agreement that is balanced, transparent, and aligned with the direction members have clearly set.
Company passes:
Article 15 – Seniority (with a LOU)
Article 20 – Sick and Personal Leave
Article 32 – Health and Safety
Article 34 – Scheduling
Article 35 – Reserve
Article 36 – Deadheading
Article 37 – Hotels and Transportation
Article 47 – Layoff and Recall
Union Passes:
Article 12 – Union Management Relations
Article 15 – Seniority (and LOU)
Article 19 – Travel Privileges and Jump Seat Access
Article 28 – Uniforms (and LOU)
Article 32 – Health and Safety (including a LOU)
Article 37 – Hotels and Transportation
Article 47 – Layoff and Recall
LOUs continue to be a critical tool in bargaining because they allow us to secure concrete improvements on items that don’t necessarily fit into existing collective agreement articles. They capture gains the moment we agree to them, protecting them in writing, and ensuring no opportunity for progress is lost. When we use LOUs strategically, we strengthen our collective position and lock in every possible benefit for flight attendants. Letters of understanding are just as legally enforceable as traditional collective agreement articles.
Upcoming Conciliation Dates
June 22nd to 26th – Edmonton
June 29th to July 3rd – Location TBD
July 6th to 11th – Location TBD
July 11- Conciliation Period Ends unless both parties agree to extend.
How You Can Support Your Bargaining Committee:
Wear your union pin;
Display your Unpaid Work Won’t Fly luggage tag;
Participate in upcoming Union Day of Action events
Sunday, July 12 – YYZ
Tuesday, July 14 – YYC
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.
Article Tracker:
We encourage members to review the Article Tracker available on the Local’s website for a detailed overview of our progress.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE ARTICLE TRACKER
NOTE: Progress also continues in advancing member priorities through some items that don’t fall within the current article framework of the Collective Agreement. Members will have full access to new articles or LOUs once a tentative agreement is reached, but to maintain confidentiality, these updates will not be included in our weekly communications.
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