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)