Bargaining Update #29: Completion of Conciliation and the Beginning of the Cooling Off Period
HIGHLIGHTS
Bargaining progress continues, but significant gaps remain
Negotiations are moving from conciliation to mediation
Union priorities remain unchanged
Several articles have been finalized
Strike vote is underway
Bargaining and mediation will continue through the cooling-off period
Dear Members,
Our final week of the conciliation period in Calgary has left us with mixed results. While not on the officially signed off list below, we were able to complete the majority of the work on two of the most substantial articles of our Collective Agreement, there still remain substantial gaps on many others.
Our package-based approach reflects our commitment to exploring every available avenue to achieve meaningful gains at the bargaining table. We continue to be creative, strategic, and solution-focused in our efforts, ensuring no opportunity is overlooked as we work toward securing the strongest possible collective agreement for our members.
Throughout the conciliation process, the Bargaining Committee has remained fully committed to and available for continued negotiations. Our focus continues to be on reaching a fair collective agreement through meaningful discussions that address the priorities of our members.
With conciliation now concluded, we anticipate hearing from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) regarding the appointment of mediators to assist the parties during the statutory cooling-off period. Should mediators be assigned, they will continue to support discussions between the parties in an effort to help resolve outstanding issues and facilitate a negotiated settlement.
Our Bargaining Committee remains ready to meet at any time and is committed to making every reasonable effort to achieve a fair collective agreement at the bargaining table.
Our over-arching priorities have not changed. We are seeking to achieve an industry-leading Collective Agreement that recognizes our value, respects our time, and one that aims to combat a decades-old payment structure that has eroded our overall worth.
Articles Signed Off:
Article 12 – Union Management Relations
Article 47 – Layoff and Recall
We have also agreed to two additional Letters of Understanding (LOUs) that relate directly to articles listed above. We cannot understate the value of LOUs achieved through the bargaining process, as they capture gains for members either immediately or throughout the life of the agreement
Job Action Information
To help answer the questions we've been hearing from members, the Member Engagement and Strike Committee has launched: wjcomponent.ca/jobaction
This new resource explains the bargaining process, strike votes, the cooling-off period, potential job action, and answers many of the most frequently asked questions. We encourage members to visit the site regularly, as additional information will be added as bargaining progresses.
Strike Vote
This past Wednesday, your Bargaining Committee approached all members to support us at the table with a strike vote. A strong strike mandate is a critical tool for the committee at this stage, as it shows our members’ resolve in achieving a fair contract.
This is a pivotal moment in our Local’s history. We will show the Company that our unity is our greatest strength.
Members who have not received their ballot can click here to ensure that their voice is heard. Please note: response to the form can take up to 48 hours. The Strike vote closes at 9:00am MT on 15 July!
What Comes Next
Once we have received confirmed future dates with the Employer, we will share them with the membership.
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.
What You Can Do and How You Can Support Your Bargaining Committee
Wear your Red Campaign lanyards.
Vote yes to authorize your Bargaining Committee to call a strike, if required.
Visit wjcomponent.ca/jobaction if you have questions about the process.
Continuing to work as scheduled.
Wear your Union pin.
Display your Unpaid Work Won't Fly luggage tag.
Participate in upcoming Informational Pickets:
Sunday, July 12 – YYZ
Tuesday, July 14 – YYC
Like, follow, and share the Local's social media.
Stay informed through official Union communications.
Reach out to your Bargaining/MESC Committee members if you have questions or concerns.
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