Bargaining Update #28: 8 Days Remaining in Conciliation

Dear Members,

QUICK SUMMARY

• The bargaining process has shifted from negotiating individual contract items to a comprehensive package-based approach.

• The Company presented its first full monetary package on June 24, and the Union delivered a detailed response on July 3 after several meetings to finalize its position.

• Conciliation is scheduled to end July 11unless both parties agree to extend it. If no extension occurs, a 21-day cooling-off period begins on July 12, during which operations continue normally, and no strike or lockout can take place.

• Member awareness and engagement are critical as key bargaining deadlines approach. Members are encouraged to stay informed, participate in mobilization activities, and continue supporting bargaining efforts.

This in-person week was shortened due to the Canada Day holiday landing midweek. This allowed the committee to have several online meetings to finalize our response to the Company’s monetary proposal from last week in Edmonton. The Bargaining Committee traveled to Calgary on Thursday to be in person for the balance of the week to finalize and present our robust response to the Company.

This pivotal stage in the bargaining process means member engagement and education is more important than ever. When bargaining began in September of last year until June of this year, both the Company and Union engaged in proposal-based bargaining; this meant individual articles being exchanged (or passed) for negotiations over many months. This strategy saw us achieve substantive but often isolated gains.

Since the Union tabled its first monetary package in April, the Union has contemplated shifting to a package-based approach. With package bargaining, we continue to negotiate outstanding matters as part of a package that will continue to go between the parties with the intention of reaching a tentative agreement.

In addition to core monetary issues, the parties are also discussing approaches to addressing unpaid work. This method allows each package to be evaluated as a complete settlement framework, with the goal of achieving a balanced and comprehensive agreement.

Where We Stand

The last day of conciliation is July 11. This is immediately followed by a 21-day cooling off period starting on July 12th, if either party chooses not to continue conciliation. Neither party is required to bargain during the cooling off period however bargaining may still occur.  We will keep the Membership updated should more dates be scheduled.

The Company passed their first full monetary package on June 24. The Union presented a thorough and robust response on Friday, July 3.

Please review the diagram above and be aware of the legislated timeline as this timeline is the basis for bargaining related activities.

Conciliation Dates

For quick reference, the remaining conciliation dates are:

• July 6–11 – Calgary

• July 11 – Conciliation ends, unless both parties mutually agree to extend the process.

What Comes Next

If an agreement is reached, your Bargaining Committee will bring the tentative agreement forward to the membership for review and ratification.

If an agreement is not reached by the end of conciliation, the process moves into the legally required 21-day cooling-off period under the Canada Labour Code. During this time:

• WestJet operations continue as normal.

• Bargaining may continue,

• No strike, lockout, or other job action can occur.

• Member engagement and mobilization activities will increase.

What You Can Do

As bargaining continues, members can support the process by:

• Staying informed through official Union communications.

• Visiting wjcomponent.ca/job action if you have questions about the process.

• Continuing to work as scheduled.

• Participating in upcoming mobilization activities and Days of Action.

• Reaching out to your Bargaining/MESC Committee if you have questions or concerns.

Our Commitment

Your Bargaining Committee remains committed to keeping members informed with clear, accurate, and timely updates throughout bargaining. If there are developments that require your attention or action, you will hear directly from us with clear guidance.

How You Can Support Your Bargaining Committee

• Wear your Union pin.

• Display your Unpaid Work Won't Fly luggage tag.

• Participate in upcoming Days of Action:

  • Sunday, July 12 – YYZ

  • Tuesday, July 14 – YYC

• Follow and share the Local's social media.

• Encourage your fellow Cabin Personnel to stay informed by reading official bargaining updates.

In Unity,

WestJet Mainline Bargaining Committee