Encore Bargaining Update #13: Week 7 Summary Update
Dear Members,
Welcome back to the Encore Bargaining Table. Your Bargaining Committee returned to negotiations with the company this week, completing the 5th month of bargaining. This marked our first session since the strike at Mainline, making it an important opportunity to continue advocating for our members' priorities.
We are pleased to welcome our President Alia back to the Encore bargaining table in person. Her return brings valuable structure, insight, and experience gained through her work with the Mainline bargaining team. Alia’s presence also contributes to a more constructive and focused atmosphere during discussions, supporting continued progress at the table
We were also joined by Troy Winters, National Health and Safety Coordinator, who provided valuable expertise and support during discussions on Occupational Health and Safety (OHS). As a result, a significant portion of this week's negotiations focused on health and safety issues, as well as establishing a framework for ongoing discussions in this area.
During the week, the Union presented its initial proposal on Article 32 – Health and Safety. This proposal outlines our commitment to strengthening workplace health and safety protections and ensuring these issues remain a key priority throughout the bargaining process.
Your Bargaining Committee remains committed to advocating for improvements that support the health, safety, and well-being of all members, and we will continue to keep you informed as negotiations progress.
In addition, your Bargaining Committee has made progress on multiple articles within the Collective Agreement. These articles remain either with the Company or with the Union to discuss further.
With the Company
Article 16 – Non-Bargaining Unit Employees and Inflight Duties
Article 22 – Ad-Hoc Assignments
Article 24 – Filling of Vacancies
Article 28 - Uniforms
Article 40 – Charter Operations and Special Purpose Flights
With the Union:
Article 19 – Travel Privileges & Jumpseat Access
Article 32 – Health & Safety
Expired Contract: What It Means
We would like to remind all members that, although the current Collective Agreement has expired, the terms and conditions of CA1 remain in effect while bargaining continues until a renewed Collective Agreement is ratified.
Currently, there is no confirmed timeline for the completion of negotiations. Bargaining remains active, and we continue to make meaningful progress toward a renewed agreement.
As negotiations move forward, the Committee will be looking to build on and align with the gains recently achieved at the Mainline bargaining table wherever they make sense for Encore, while also recognizing that Encore is a distinct operation. Protecting the provisions that work well for Encore members, and ensuring any new language reflects the realities of the Encore operation, will continue to be an important part of our approach.
We are scheduled to meet with the Company again on August 25, with several additional bargaining dates planned throughout September.
We appreciate the continued patience and support of the membership and will provide updates as negotiations progress.
Members are also encouraged to follow, like, and share our Facebook and Instagram content. Increased engagement helps broaden awareness of the issues we are working on to advance beyond the bargaining table.
The Local’s podcast, In the Jumpseat, also provides information about negotiations and other activities within the Local and is available on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and Spotify.
For live updates and to track the status of each article, please visit the Article Tracker at: https://wjcomponent.ca/encore-negotiation-tracker
Thank you for your continued solidarity. Your strength and support motivate us as we work together towards an agreement that recognizes your value and professionalism.
In Unity,
WestJet Encore Bargaining Committee
Alia Hussain - alia.hussain@wjcomponent.ca
Jennifer Kuhnert - jennifer.kuhnert@wjcomponent.ca
Natasha Selby - natasha.selby@wjcomponent.ca
Maria Gaw - maria.gaw@wjcomponent.ca