Encore Bargaining Update #2 - Preparations for Bargaining

Dear Encore Members,

This communication is intended to provide a factual update on the work currently underway by your bargaining team.

Over the past month, the bargaining team has been engaged in preparation activities for the upcoming round of negotiations. This work has focused on ensuring the team is informed, trained, and ready to represent members’ interests at the bargaining table.

As part of this preparation, the team has been conducting contract comparisons with similar agreements. This analysis is a standard and necessary step in the bargaining process and supports informed decision-making when developing bargaining proposals.

The bargaining survey continues to be promoted to members. Participation in the survey is an important mechanism for members to communicate their priorities directly to the bargaining team. Survey results will be used to inform bargaining objectives.

During this period, bargaining team members also completed retirement security/income training and media training provided with the support of CUPE National. These sessions are intended to strengthen the team’s technical understanding and communication capacity throughout negotiations.

The team has also met with the newly assigned CUPE National servicing representative, Chris Hill, who will be supporting the Encore bargaining process going forward.

Looking ahead, a Bargaining Process Town Hall is scheduled for February 19 at 1:00 p.m. The purpose of this session is to outline the bargaining process, explain next steps, and provide members with clear information about how negotiations proceed. Registration details will be shared separately.

The bargaining team will continue to provide updates as material developments occur. Members are encouraged to rely on official union communications for accurate information regarding bargaining.

In Unity,

WestJet Encore Bargaining Committee

Alia Hussain - President
Jennifer Wielohorski-Kuhnert - Encore Unit VP
Mary Ann Lee - Encore Rep
Maria Gaw - Encore Rep

Encore Bargaining Update #1 - Preparations for Bargaining

Dear Encore Members,

This week, your Encore Bargaining Committee has been hard at work preparing for the initial Bargaining Priorities Survey. We expect to distribute the survey between late January and February 2026. This is your opportunity to let us know what matters most to you. More details will follow as we get closer to the release date.

The information collected from the survey will be used to shape the direction of bargaining and will be referenced regularly by your Bargaining Committee. We were fortunate to have the support of our CUPE National Researcher, who supports all airlines within the Airline Division of CUPE. Their expertise assisted us in formulating the survey and identifying overarching themes that will be explored.

The survey's responses will remain anonymous, and only the consolidated data will be used. To protect the integrity of our bargaining proposals, please note that we will not immediately be publishing or openly sharing the data that comes out of the survey responses. This would give the Company insight into our Bargaining Priorities. It is integral that we protect our position at the table, and the Bargaining Committee is committed to sharing as much information as possible when appropriate.

The Bargaining Committee began formulating a strategic plan and general timelines for bargaining. Our strategic plan is a dynamic guiding document. It includes a communication and a member education plan, a process for determining our priorities, and approaches for responding to the constantly evolving environment we face. This plan will interface with the Member Engagement and Strike (MESC) Committee’s activities for member engagement and mobilization. In bargaining 30% of the power comes from the committee; the remaining 70% comes from the unity of the membership supporting our bargaining efforts.

Looking ahead to early next year, we will launch a bargaining-related learning series as part of our member education initiatives, including a live webinar explaining the bargaining process.

In the above graphic, you will see an overview of the Bargaining Process. We are currently in the Preparation Phase. These will complement other resources already available on our union website. Link Here to the Encore Bargaining HQ Website: wjcomponent.ca/encore-bargaining-hq

You can also explore the Local’s podcast (In the Jumpseat) for more insights.

As we draw closer to the expiry of our collective agreement, we will be meeting more frequently to prepare for bargaining. You can expect regular updates, starting with the Bargaining Priorities Survey. We are also planning a Town Hall to answer your other bargaining-related questions and keep you informed. The details will follow soon.

Finally, from all of us on your Encore Bargaining Committee: your support, engagement, and commitment will ultimately make our workplace better for all of us at Encore.  We wish you happy holidays, safe skies, and see you in the new year!

In Unity,

WestJet Encore Bargaining Committee

Jennifer Wielohorski-Kuhnert - Encore Unit VP
Mary Ann Lee - Encore Rep
Maria Gaw - Encore Rep
Alia Hussain - President
Alex Grigoriev - Local Executive (Alternate)
Cameron Jones - Local Executive (Alternate)

Welcome to the Encore Bargaining Blog

Hello Members,

This space will serve as the central hub for all official updates, announcements, and information related to our upcoming Encore collective bargaining negotiations. We understand the importance of staying informed throughout this process, and this blog is designed to keep you in the loop every step of the way.

Here, you'll find regular posts detailing the progress of negotiations, key developments, answers to frequently asked questions, and any important documents we need to share. Consider this your one-stop shop for all bargaining-related communications.

We encourage you to check back frequently for the latest news and to stay engaged as we work towards securing a strong and fair collective agreement for all encore members of the WestJet Component (CUPE 8125).

Your Bargaining Committee