Bargaining Update #31 - Wind Down Agreement Reached
Dear Mainline Members,
Over the past several days, we have heard from many of you with questions and concerns about what could happen if you are away from your home base should a legal strike or lockout occur.
We also recognize that the Company has introduced flexible booking options for guests and advised that flight cancellations could begin as early as later this week. We know these announcements have created additional uncertainty for both our members and the travelling public.
Throughout this process, we have remained mindful of the impact any labour disruption may have on our guests. Cabin Crew care deeply about the people they serve, and we know many Canadians have recognized that our objective has never been to create disruption, but to secure a fair collective agreement. That commitment to professionalism and to treating guests with respect has earned significant public support throughout this campaign.
At the same time, our resolve has not changed. We remain fully prepared to exercise our legal rights if that becomes necessary, while continuing to work toward a negotiated agreement that avoids unnecessary disruption for everyone.
Our Bargaining Committee remains fully focused on reaching a tentative agreement at the bargaining table. A negotiated settlement remains our priority and continues to be the best outcome for our members.
At the same time, responsible preparation means planning for every possible outcome. As part of that preparation, we are pleased to advise that the Union and the Company have now signed an Operational Wind-Down Agreement.
CLICK HERE TO READ THE SIGNED WIND DOWN AGREEMENT
A copy of this agreement will also be made available on the Cabin Crew Device.
Why is this agreement important?
Following significant advocacy by the Union, this agreement establishes the process for winding down flight operations should a legal strike or lockout occur. It is important to understand that this agreement is not intended to continue normal Company operations during a labour dispute.
Rather, its purpose is to ensure an orderly and safe wind-down of the operation by returning aircraft, guests, and crew to Canadian airports before operations are suspended. It also provides a framework for managing irregular operations that may arise in the hours leading up to the commencement of legal job action, including situations where Cabin Crew are already away from their home base.
This agreement was not automatic. Throughout these discussions, the Union pressed the Company to establish clear protections for Cabin Crew who may find themselves away from base. We believe the Company has an ongoing duty of care under the Canada Labour Code and felt it was important to secure a written agreement that provides greater certainty for members.
This agreement is particularly important for Cabin Crew. Unlike the pilot group, Cabin Crew do not have jumpseat access and would not have access to interline travel benefits during a labour dispute. In practical terms, aircraft could be repositioned by pilots while Cabin Crew remain away from their home base, potentially leaving members stranded in various locations across the network for an undetermined period with few practical options to return home.
For that reason, your Bargaining Committee negotiated a clear process to protect members should a legal strike or lockout occur. This was not about assisting the Company's operational plans. It was about ensuring that our members are treated fairly and are not left to navigate an uncertain and potentially unsafe situation on their own.
Throughout this round of bargaining, we have been clear that our objective is to reach a fair collective agreement, not to create disruption for its own sake. That approach has earned the support of the travelling public and demonstrates to Canadians and to government that we are acting responsibly while exercising our legal rights. If a labour dispute becomes necessary, we will exercise those rights with resolve, but we will do so in a manner that protects our members and reflects the professionalism Cabin Crew demonstrate every day
What does the agreement provide?
If a legal strike or lockout occurs:
Cabin Crew who are operating a flight when job action begins will complete that flight to its scheduled destination. Please refer to the flowchart below for a complete list of scenarios that Cabin Crew may encounter.
Members who are mid-pairing may be required to operate or deadhead additional flights solely for the purpose of winding down the operation by returning aircraft, crew, and guests to Canadian airports of scheduled Company operation.
If the Company cannot immediately return a member to their base, members will either:
receive hotel accommodation in their last destination city for up to seven (7) days (or until the labour dispute ends, whichever occurs first); or
be provided Company-operated transportation to another Canadian city, subject to seat availability.
The applicable provisions of the Collective Agreement, including compensation and scheduling, continue to apply while members are completing the operational wind-down.
Members remaining in hotel accommodation under this agreement will continue to receive contractual per diem for up to seven (7) days or until the labour dispute concludes, whichever occurs first.
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FLOW CHART EXPLAINING THE WIND DOWN AGREEMENT
While this agreement provides important protections, it does not replace the support your Union will provide. We know that being away from home during a labour dispute has been one of the membership's biggest concerns. Union representatives will remain available throughout any labour dispute to answer questions, provide assistance, and support members who find themselves away from base.
The Company was not prepared to agree to any further commitments regarding members who may remain away from their home base beyond the provisions contained in this agreement. As a result, if additional assistance is required, the Union, together with CUPE National, will work to help members identify appropriate solutions based on the circumstances at the time.
That said, it is important that members understand there are practical limits to what can be arranged during a labour dispute. If you are travelling internationally or are scheduled to be away from your home base as a potential labour disruption approaches, we strongly encourage you to govern yourselves accordingly and consider the potential implications when making personal decisions. While your Union will continue to advocate for and support members throughout any labour dispute, individual planning and preparation will also be essential.
Continue to Be Prepared
Although this agreement provides additional certainty, members should continue preparing for the possibility of operational disruptions.
We encourage members who are working in the coming days to:
Pack additional clothing suitable for different climates in case you remain away from base longer than expected or are in a different layover city than scheduled.
Bring adequate toiletries and personal items.
Ensure you have sufficient prescription medications and other medical necessities.
Have access to emergency cash and/or available credit.
Carry not only your physical passport, but copies (physical or electronic) of your passport and other important travel documents.
Consider ensuring you have access to an international phone plan or another reliable means of communication while travelling.
Be prepared for pairing cancellations, flight cancellations, schedule changes, and possible reassignments before any labour dispute begins.
Members on reserve should also be prepared for the possibility of reserve extensions.
Consider alternative transportation to and from the airport, as we cannot confirm whether Company-issued parking privileges will remain available during a labour dispute.
Commuting members should remember that any Company transportation may be to their assigned base, not necessarily domicile.
Remove personal belongings from Company property and avoid relying exclusively on Company systems such as your CCD or crew rooms, as access may be restricted during a labour dispute.
Looking Out for One Another
One of the most encouraging developments throughout this process has been seeing members step forward to support one another. We have received countless offers from members willing to open their homes to colleagues who may find themselves stranded away from base.
That spirit of solidarity reflects the very best of our profession. As Cabin Crew, adapting to changing circumstances is something we do every day. Your resilience, professionalism, and commitment to one another will continue to serve us well should we face these challenging circumstances together.
Our hope remains that this agreement is never needed. Our focus continues to be on achieving a fair tentative agreement at the bargaining table. When additional information becomes available, we will continue to communicate openly and ensure members have the information they need every step of the way.
In Unity,
WestJet Mainline Bargaining Committee