Upcoming Events
Bargaining Education Townhall: Session 10
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER - TIME: 12:00PT/13:00MT/14:00CT/15:00ET/16:00AT - 1 HOUR
Your Local Executive Committee has spent the past several weeks preparing for our upcoming round of negotiations for our second Collective Agreement. As part of this preparation, we are launching a series of Bargaining Education Townhalls in collaboration with CUPE National to help ensure all members are informed and equipped to participate in the bargaining process.
Understanding how collective bargaining works in Canada is foundational to any unionized workplace. These sessions are designed to provide clarity and education on the bargaining process so that members can confidently engage with what’s ahead.
Key topics will include:
The role of the Collective Agreement
The stages and structure of the bargaining process
Strike processes and union rights
The importance of member input and participation
We will be offering a range of townhall sessions between April 11 and April 17, including daytime, evening, and weekend options to accommodate our members' varying schedules. Each session will present the same core content, with time allocated for questions and clarifications.
Please note:
These sessions are focused solely on bargaining education. They will not cover specific bargaining issues or proposals at this stage. Further bargaining issue-specific town halls will be held once the Bargaining Committee has been elected, and survey results have been collected.
Important Note:
Each session requires a minimum of 15 registrants in order to run. Pre-registration is required, and attendance numbers will be confirmed 24 hours in advance of the session. Should a session not reach the minimum attendance a cancellation email will be sent 24 hours prior to the event.
If there is additional interest in the sessions, we will look to schedule more in the future!
We strongly encourage all members to attend one of the sessions. A better understanding of the bargaining process empowers us all and strengthens our collective voice at the table.
In Unity,
WestJet Component LEC (Local Executive Committee)
President - Alia Hussain
Recording Secretary - Cameron Jones
Secretary-Treasurer - Alex Grigoriev
WS Unit Vice-President - Bryan Hansraj
WR Unit Vice-President - Heather Crippen
WG Unit Vice-President - Rena Kisfalvi
Bargaining Education Townhall: Session 9
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER - TIME: 09:00PT/10:00MT/11:00CT/12:00ET/13:00AT - 1 HOUR
Your Local Executive Committee has spent the past several weeks preparing for our upcoming round of negotiations for our second Collective Agreement. As part of this preparation, we are launching a series of Bargaining Education Townhalls in collaboration with CUPE National to help ensure all members are informed and equipped to participate in the bargaining process.
Understanding how collective bargaining works in Canada is foundational to any unionized workplace. These sessions are designed to provide clarity and education on the bargaining process so that members can confidently engage with what’s ahead.
Key topics will include:
The role of the Collective Agreement
The stages and structure of the bargaining process
Strike processes and union rights
The importance of member input and participation
We will be offering a range of townhall sessions between April 11 and April 17, including daytime, evening, and weekend options to accommodate our members' varying schedules. Each session will present the same core content, with time allocated for questions and clarifications.
Please note:
These sessions are focused solely on bargaining education. They will not cover specific bargaining issues or proposals at this stage. Further bargaining issue-specific town halls will be held once the Bargaining Committee has been elected, and survey results have been collected.
Important Note:
Each session requires a minimum of 15 registrants in order to run. Pre-registration is required, and attendance numbers will be confirmed 24 hours in advance of the session. Should a session not reach the minimum attendance a cancellation email will be sent 24 hours prior to the event.
If there is additional interest in the sessions, we will look to schedule more in the future!
We strongly encourage all members to attend one of the sessions. A better understanding of the bargaining process empowers us all and strengthens our collective voice at the table.
In Unity,
WestJet Component LEC (Local Executive Committee)
President - Alia Hussain
Recording Secretary - Cameron Jones
Secretary-Treasurer - Alex Grigoriev
WS Unit Vice-President - Bryan Hansraj
WR Unit Vice-President - Heather Crippen
WG Unit Vice-President - Rena Kisfalvi
Bargaining Education Townhall: Session 8
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER - TIME: 16:00PT/17:00MT/18:00CT/19:00ET/20:00AT - 1 HOUR
Your Local Executive Committee has spent the past several weeks preparing for our upcoming round of negotiations for our second Collective Agreement. As part of this preparation, we are launching a series of Bargaining Education Townhalls in collaboration with CUPE National to help ensure all members are informed and equipped to participate in the bargaining process.
Understanding how collective bargaining works in Canada is foundational to any unionized workplace. These sessions are designed to provide clarity and education on the bargaining process so that members can confidently engage with what’s ahead.
Key topics will include:
The role of the Collective Agreement
The stages and structure of the bargaining process
Strike processes and union rights
The importance of member input and participation
We will be offering a range of townhall sessions between April 11 and April 17, including daytime, evening, and weekend options to accommodate our members' varying schedules. Each session will present the same core content, with time allocated for questions and clarifications.
Please note:
These sessions are focused solely on bargaining education. They will not cover specific bargaining issues or proposals at this stage. Further bargaining issue-specific town halls will be held once the Bargaining Committee has been elected, and survey results have been collected.
Important Note:
Each session requires a minimum of 15 registrants in order to run. Pre-registration is required, and attendance numbers will be confirmed 24 hours in advance of the session. Should a session not reach the minimum attendance a cancellation email will be sent 24 hours prior to the event.
If there is additional interest in the sessions, we will look to schedule more in the future!
We strongly encourage all members to attend one of the sessions. A better understanding of the bargaining process empowers us all and strengthens our collective voice at the table.
In Unity,
WestJet Component LEC (Local Executive Committee)
President - Alia Hussain
Recording Secretary - Cameron Jones
Secretary-Treasurer - Alex Grigoriev
WS Unit Vice-President - Bryan Hansraj
WR Unit Vice-President - Heather Crippen
WG Unit Vice-President - Rena Kisfalvi
Bylaws Referendum Voting Period
Notice - The vote has been extended to April 25 due to technical issues with duplicate employee numbers at WestJet and Sunwing. Please refer to the email sent April 22 for more details.
The Referendum Vote for the Bylaw Amendments is set to take place from April 16 to April 23, 2025. This is an important opportunity for all CUPE Local 8125 members to have their voices heard regarding the proposed changes to our bylaws.
Members are encouraged to review the revised bylaws prior to casting their votes. The updated documents are available for your review at the link below. Please take the time to familiarize yourself with the revisions, as understanding these changes is crucial for an informed voting decision.
If you have any questions or need further clarification regarding the bylaws, do not hesitate to reach out to your union representative from our contact page.
Your participation in this referendum is vital. Ensure that your voice counts by voting during the specified dates. Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
Original Email Sent to All Members Below:
BYLAW INFORMATION:
Click HERE for a copy of the proposed bylaws amendments
Note: Any highlighted section of the Bylaws document above are the required changes as per the CUPE National Constitution.
As we move forward with the development of our bylaws, it's important to emphasize that this process, as previously communicated, will take place in a phased approach for several important reasons:
Phase One: Bargaining Year – Current Phase: We are currently in a bargaining year, and we recognize that our membership is eager to get bargaining initiatives started. It’s important that we prioritize our bargaining efforts to ensure that our members' interests are represented effectively. This requires several immediate changes to the Bylaws to allow the Executive to move forward with bargaining preparations.
Phase Two: Integration of Two Units: We are in the process of integrating Local 4055 and Local 4070, which requires us to maintain certain language in the bylaws until the Sunwing members are fully integrated. This transitional period necessitates careful consideration to ensure that all members feel represented and that there’s continuity in our commitments during this integration phase. More to come in future communications.
Phase Three: Focused Resources: Given our limited time and resources, we want to ensure that our efforts are directed at high-priority items that truly matter to our membership rather than others while still being a priority just not as critical of a concern. More information will be released in a future communication.
PHASE ONE: Required Bylaw Changes to Support Bargaining
In the upcoming SMM we will be focused on the immediate changes that MUST be made in order to kick off Bargaining.
We are proposing three strategically focused changes in this phase:
House Keeping Changes required by CUPE
All bylaws approved by the National Presidents Office must meet a minimum standard. Most of these are housekeeping changes such as naming of the Local and other general pieces.
This included an elections process that our current Bylaws do not have.
These are denoted by yellow highlights in the bylaws document above.
Establishing a Bargaining Committee
At the upcoming Special Membership Meeting, members will be asked to approve the formation of a Bargaining Committee to represent the members' interests in the next round of negotiations for both WS and WR. The structure and purpose of these committees have been thoughtfully developed with input from best practices and member feedback.
Purpose and Function: The Bargaining Committee will play a central role in advancing the priorities of our membership at the bargaining table. It will be responsible for developing membership surveys, drafting bargaining proposals, responding to employer positions, and ensuring negotiations reflect the direction set by Members.
Learning from Best Practices: We consulted with several Unions, including those who have previously negotiated with WestJet and other major carriers, to learn from their successes and challenges. Many unions—such as Air Canada and others within our CUPE airline division including our former Sunwing Local—opt for executive-only committees; however, we have opted to maintain a member-representative model that allows for a broader reflection of member experience.
Balanced Representation Across Bases: The committee for Mainline will include four elected members drawn from across our bases. Due to significant differences in base size, some bases will be grouped together to ensure a more equitable balance. This approach acknowledges the unique structure of our network and promotes cross-base representation focused on shared priorities. For Encore we took into account the size of the group and singular base and have the representation model reflective of this.
Leadership Support: To support the Member representatives, the Local President and the Unit Vice President will also serve on the committees for both Airlines WS/WR. This ensures consistent leadership as well as accountability for alignment to the Survey results.
Efficient Structure: With a total of six members for WS and when the time comes four for WR, the committee is intentionally designed to remain focused and agile. The Unions we consulted emphasized that large committees often become gridlocked, spending excessive time on internal debate rather than advancing member interests. A smaller, well-resourced team is more effective in maintaining momentum and delivering results.
Driven by Member Priorities: A priority based bargaining survey will be issued to all Members to establish the committee’s initial mandate. This survey will shape our priorities at the table. If bargaining conditions change or clarity is needed, the Committee will return to the membership for updated direction. This ensures the process remains flexible, transparent, and responsive. We heard loudly from our members that they wanted to ensure the mandate in the room was the Memberships mandate.
Supported by Experts: In addition to CUPE National and Elected Committee Members we will strategically source external support such as legal counsel, research analysts, and administrative support for the team. This professional expertise ensures the committee is well-prepared and positioned to negotiate your contract effectively. This model is built to be strategic, representative, and action oriented. It reflects the realities of our group, respects the feedback we’ve received from you the Members, and prepares us to move forward into bargaining in a way that is efficient, informed, and focused on achieving results.
Standardizing Our Dues Structure
As part of our preparation for the upcoming round of negotiations, we are proposing to standardize the dues structure across all member units. This step is essential to ensuring fairness, unity, and financial readiness as we move forward together under one Local.
Why this change is necessary: Currently, members in different units pay different dues amounts — a result of CUPE National’s policy that dues cannot be changed without membership ratification. While this made sense prior to integration, it is no longer equitable or sustainable to maintain two separate structures under one unified Local.
Dues by bargaining unit (current):
Sunwing members pay: 1.5% of a union member’s salary
WestJet and Encore members pay: One point one percent (1.1%) above the per-capita payable to CUPE National of base pay for all members. Current rate is 1.95% (0.85% per capita to CUPE National)
Note: This bylaw revision would see Sunwing members brought up to the same dues rate as WestJet and Encore members are currently paying.
Why are we not reducing dues now: The Executive Committee carefully considered lowering dues but determined that doing so at this stage would be fiscally irresponsible. Following the merger and the operational demands it placed on the Local, our focus must now be on preparing for a strong round of bargaining — and that means being fully resourced.
Investing in a strong bargaining campaign: Bargaining is the single most important function of a Union. To do it effectively, we must invest in what matters — legal counsel, research analysts, administrative support, and communications tools. We have seen from campaigns like Air Canada’s that a well-resourced bargaining committee can apply meaningful pressure and win significant gains. We intend to do the same.
Operating lean, but with stability: Over the past several years, the former Local 4070 had taken deliberate steps to reduce costs and operate more efficiently. While they contributed to 8125 a healthy reserve, we are entering an unpredictable bargaining environment — and we must ensure that we are financially prepared for the long haul if needed.
Members remain in control: Once bargaining is complete and a new Collective Agreement is in place, members will have the opportunity to revisit and vote on dues levels if they feel a reduction is appropriate. For now, this proposal ensures that all members are paying the same dues rate and that we are financially prepared to meet the challenges ahead.
Standardizing our due's structure is about fairness, preparedness, and giving ourselves the tools needed to succeed at the bargaining table. This is the time to invest in our Collective strength — and to do so in a way that positions us to deliver the contract our members deserve.
Why the Proposed Bylaws Will Be Decided by Referendum
We want to provide clarity on why the proposed bylaws will be brought to the membership through a referendum vote, rather than a vote at the Special Membership Meeting.
There are two primary reasons for this approach:
Timeliness and Readiness for Bargaining:
Our current Collective Agreement is nearing expiry, and members have made it clear that there is an expectation for us to begin bargaining without delay. Finalizing the bylaws is a necessary step in forming our bargaining structure and electing the committee. A referendum allows us to proceed more quickly in compliance with the CUPE National Constitution. If this was to be voted on in a SMM it would require waiting for a follow-up meeting and the 60-day notice period that would be required under the CUPE Constitution.
Member Access and Participation:
The CUPE Constitution allows bylaws to be adopted through a referendum vote, and doing so gives more members the opportunity to participate. Rather than requiring members to attend a single meeting to cast their vote, a referendum allows for a seven-day voting window, increasing accessibility and ensuring that all members — across bases and schedules — have a fair and equal chance to take part in the decision.
Our goal is to be transparent and direct with you about the process. We are committed to acting in the best interest of the membership and ensuring that the foundational work required to launch bargaining is completed without unnecessary delay. We understand the urgency created by the current conditions of the Collective Agreement, and this approach reflects our commitment to meet that urgency with action.
Bargaining Education Townhall: Session 7
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER - TIME: 15:00PT/16:00MT/17:00CT/18:00ET/19:00AT - 1 HOUR
Your Local Executive Committee has spent the past several weeks preparing for our upcoming round of negotiations for our second Collective Agreement. As part of this preparation, we are launching a series of Bargaining Education Townhalls in collaboration with CUPE National to help ensure all members are informed and equipped to participate in the bargaining process.
Understanding how collective bargaining works in Canada is foundational to any unionized workplace. These sessions are designed to provide clarity and education on the bargaining process so that members can confidently engage with what’s ahead.
Key topics will include:
The role of the Collective Agreement
The stages and structure of the bargaining process
Strike processes and union rights
The importance of member input and participation
We will be offering a range of townhall sessions between April 11 and April 17, including daytime, evening, and weekend options to accommodate our members' varying schedules. Each session will present the same core content, with time allocated for questions and clarifications.
Please note:
These sessions are focused solely on bargaining education. They will not cover specific bargaining issues or proposals at this stage. Further bargaining issue-specific town halls will be held once the Bargaining Committee has been elected, and survey results have been collected.
Important Note:
Each session requires a minimum of 15 registrants in order to run. Pre-registration is required, and attendance numbers will be confirmed 24 hours in advance of the session. Should a session not reach the minimum attendance a cancellation email will be sent 24 hours prior to the event.
If there is additional interest in the sessions, we will look to schedule more in the future!
We strongly encourage all members to attend one of the sessions. A better understanding of the bargaining process empowers us all and strengthens our collective voice at the table.
In Unity,
WestJet Component LEC (Local Executive Committee)
President - Alia Hussain
Recording Secretary - Cameron Jones
Secretary-Treasurer - Alex Grigoriev
WS Unit Vice-President - Bryan Hansraj
WR Unit Vice-President - Heather Crippen
WG Unit Vice-President - Rena Kisfalvi
Bargaining Education Townhall: Session 6
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER - TIME: 10:00PT/11:00MT/12:00CT/13:00ET/14:00AT - 1 HOUR
Your Local Executive Committee has spent the past several weeks preparing for our upcoming round of negotiations for our second Collective Agreement. As part of this preparation, we are launching a series of Bargaining Education Townhalls in collaboration with CUPE National to help ensure all members are informed and equipped to participate in the bargaining process.
Understanding how collective bargaining works in Canada is foundational to any unionized workplace. These sessions are designed to provide clarity and education on the bargaining process so that members can confidently engage with what’s ahead.
Key topics will include:
The role of the Collective Agreement
The stages and structure of the bargaining process
Strike processes and union rights
The importance of member input and participation
We will be offering a range of townhall sessions between April 11 and April 17, including daytime, evening, and weekend options to accommodate our members' varying schedules. Each session will present the same core content, with time allocated for questions and clarifications.
Please note:
These sessions are focused solely on bargaining education. They will not cover specific bargaining issues or proposals at this stage. Further bargaining issue-specific town halls will be held once the Bargaining Committee has been elected, and survey results have been collected.
Important Note:
Each session requires a minimum of 15 registrants in order to run. Pre-registration is required, and attendance numbers will be confirmed 24 hours in advance of the session. Should a session not reach the minimum attendance a cancellation email will be sent 24 hours prior to the event.
If there is additional interest in the sessions, we will look to schedule more in the future!
We strongly encourage all members to attend one of the sessions. A better understanding of the bargaining process empowers us all and strengthens our collective voice at the table.
In Unity,
WestJet Component LEC (Local Executive Committee)
President - Alia Hussain
Recording Secretary - Cameron Jones
Secretary-Treasurer - Alex Grigoriev
WS Unit Vice-President - Bryan Hansraj
WR Unit Vice-President - Heather Crippen
WG Unit Vice-President - Rena Kisfalvi
Bargaining Education Townhall: Session 5
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER - TIME: 16:00PT/17:00MT/18:00CT/19:00ET/20:00AT - 1 HOUR
Your Local Executive Committee has spent the past several weeks preparing for our upcoming round of negotiations for our second Collective Agreement. As part of this preparation, we are launching a series of Bargaining Education Townhalls in collaboration with CUPE National to help ensure all members are informed and equipped to participate in the bargaining process.
Understanding how collective bargaining works in Canada is foundational to any unionized workplace. These sessions are designed to provide clarity and education on the bargaining process so that members can confidently engage with what’s ahead.
Key topics will include:
The role of the Collective Agreement
The stages and structure of the bargaining process
Strike processes and union rights
The importance of member input and participation
We will be offering a range of townhall sessions between April 11 and April 17, including daytime, evening, and weekend options to accommodate our members' varying schedules. Each session will present the same core content, with time allocated for questions and clarifications.
Please note:
These sessions are focused solely on bargaining education. They will not cover specific bargaining issues or proposals at this stage. Further bargaining issue-specific town halls will be held once the Bargaining Committee has been elected, and survey results have been collected.
Important Note:
Each session requires a minimum of 15 registrants in order to run. Pre-registration is required, and attendance numbers will be confirmed 24 hours in advance of the session. Should a session not reach the minimum attendance a cancellation email will be sent 24 hours prior to the event.
If there is additional interest in the sessions, we will look to schedule more in the future!
We strongly encourage all members to attend one of the sessions. A better understanding of the bargaining process empowers us all and strengthens our collective voice at the table.
In Unity,
WestJet Component LEC (Local Executive Committee)
President - Alia Hussain
Recording Secretary - Cameron Jones
Secretary-Treasurer - Alex Grigoriev
WS Unit Vice-President - Bryan Hansraj
WR Unit Vice-President - Heather Crippen
WG Unit Vice-President - Rena Kisfalvi
Bargaining Education Townhall: Session 4
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER - TIME: 11:00PT/12:00MT/13:00CT/14:00ET/15:00AT - 1 HOUR
Your Local Executive Committee has spent the past several weeks preparing for our upcoming round of negotiations for our second Collective Agreement. As part of this preparation, we are launching a series of Bargaining Education Townhalls in collaboration with CUPE National to help ensure all members are informed and equipped to participate in the bargaining process.
Understanding how collective bargaining works in Canada is foundational to any unionized workplace. These sessions are designed to provide clarity and education on the bargaining process so that members can confidently engage with what’s ahead.
Key topics will include:
The role of the Collective Agreement
The stages and structure of the bargaining process
Strike processes and union rights
The importance of member input and participation
We will be offering a range of townhall sessions between April 11 and April 17, including daytime, evening, and weekend options to accommodate our members' varying schedules. Each session will present the same core content, with time allocated for questions and clarifications.
Please note:
These sessions are focused solely on bargaining education. They will not cover specific bargaining issues or proposals at this stage. Further bargaining issue-specific town halls will be held once the Bargaining Committee has been elected, and survey results have been collected.
Important Note:
Each session requires a minimum of 15 registrants in order to run. Pre-registration is required, and attendance numbers will be confirmed 24 hours in advance of the session. Should a session not reach the minimum attendance a cancellation email will be sent 24 hours prior to the event.
If there is additional interest in the sessions, we will look to schedule more in the future!
We strongly encourage all members to attend one of the sessions. A better understanding of the bargaining process empowers us all and strengthens our collective voice at the table.
In Unity,
WestJet Component LEC (Local Executive Committee)
President - Alia Hussain
Recording Secretary - Cameron Jones
Secretary-Treasurer - Alex Grigoriev
WS Unit Vice-President - Bryan Hansraj
WR Unit Vice-President - Heather Crippen
WG Unit Vice-President - Rena Kisfalvi
Bargaining Education Townhall: Session 3
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER - TIME: 10:00PT/11:00MT/12:00CT/13:00ET/14:00AT - 1 HOUR
Your Local Executive Committee has spent the past several weeks preparing for our upcoming round of negotiations for our second Collective Agreement. As part of this preparation, we are launching a series of Bargaining Education Townhalls in collaboration with CUPE National to help ensure all members are informed and equipped to participate in the bargaining process.
Understanding how collective bargaining works in Canada is foundational to any unionized workplace. These sessions are designed to provide clarity and education on the bargaining process so that members can confidently engage with what’s ahead.
Key topics will include:
The role of the Collective Agreement
The stages and structure of the bargaining process
Strike processes and union rights
The importance of member input and participation
We will be offering a range of townhall sessions between April 11 and April 17, including daytime, evening, and weekend options to accommodate our members' varying schedules. Each session will present the same core content, with time allocated for questions and clarifications.
Please note:
These sessions are focused solely on bargaining education. They will not cover specific bargaining issues or proposals at this stage. Further bargaining issue-specific town halls will be held once the Bargaining Committee has been elected, and survey results have been collected.
Important Note:
Each session requires a minimum of 15 registrants in order to run. Pre-registration is required, and attendance numbers will be confirmed 24 hours in advance of the session. Should a session not reach the minimum attendance a cancellation email will be sent 24 hours prior to the event.
If there is additional interest in the sessions, we will look to schedule more in the future!
We strongly encourage all members to attend one of the sessions. A better understanding of the bargaining process empowers us all and strengthens our collective voice at the table.
In Unity,
WestJet Component LEC (Local Executive Committee)
President - Alia Hussain
Recording Secretary - Cameron Jones
Secretary-Treasurer - Alex Grigoriev
WS Unit Vice-President - Bryan Hansraj
WR Unit Vice-President - Heather Crippen
WG Unit Vice-President - Rena Kisfalvi
Bargaining Education Townhall: Session 2
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER - TIME: 14:00PT/15:00MT/16:00CT/17:00ET/18:00AT - 1 HOUR
Your Local Executive Committee has spent the past several weeks preparing for our upcoming round of negotiations for our second Collective Agreement. As part of this preparation, we are launching a series of Bargaining Education Townhalls in collaboration with CUPE National to help ensure all members are informed and equipped to participate in the bargaining process.
Understanding how collective bargaining works in Canada is foundational to any unionized workplace. These sessions are designed to provide clarity and education on the bargaining process so that members can confidently engage with what’s ahead.
Key topics will include:
The role of the Collective Agreement
The stages and structure of the bargaining process
Strike processes and union rights
The importance of member input and participation
We will be offering a range of townhall sessions between April 11 and April 17, including daytime, evening, and weekend options to accommodate our members' varying schedules. Each session will present the same core content, with time allocated for questions and clarifications.
Please note:
These sessions are focused solely on bargaining education. They will not cover specific bargaining issues or proposals at this stage. Further bargaining issue-specific town halls will be held once the Bargaining Committee has been elected, and survey results have been collected.
Important Note:
Each session requires a minimum of 15 registrants in order to run. Pre-registration is required, and attendance numbers will be confirmed 24 hours in advance of the session. Should a session not reach the minimum attendance a cancellation email will be sent 24 hours prior to the event.
If there is additional interest in the sessions, we will look to schedule more in the future!
We strongly encourage all members to attend one of the sessions. A better understanding of the bargaining process empowers us all and strengthens our collective voice at the table.
In Unity,
WestJet Component LEC (Local Executive Committee)
President - Alia Hussain
Recording Secretary - Cameron Jones
Secretary-Treasurer - Alex Grigoriev
WS Unit Vice-President - Bryan Hansraj
WR Unit Vice-President - Heather Crippen
WG Unit Vice-President - Rena Kisfalvi
Bargaining Education Townhall: Session 1
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER - TIME: 08:00PT/09:00MT/10:00CT/11:00ET/12:00AT - 1 HOUR
Your Local Executive Committee has spent the past several weeks preparing for our upcoming round of negotiations for our second Collective Agreement. As part of this preparation, we are launching a series of Bargaining Education Townhalls in collaboration with CUPE National to help ensure all members are informed and equipped to participate in the bargaining process.
Understanding how collective bargaining works in Canada is foundational to any unionized workplace. These sessions are designed to provide clarity and education on the bargaining process so that members can confidently engage with what’s ahead.
Key topics will include:
The role of the Collective Agreement
The stages and structure of the bargaining process
Strike processes and union rights
The importance of member input and participation
We will be offering a range of townhall sessions between April 11 and April 17, including daytime, evening, and weekend options to accommodate our members' varying schedules. Each session will present the same core content, with time allocated for questions and clarifications.
Please note:
These sessions are focused solely on bargaining education. They will not cover specific bargaining issues or proposals at this stage. Further bargaining issue-specific town halls will be held once the Bargaining Committee has been elected, and survey results have been collected.
Important Note:
Each session requires a minimum of 15 registrants in order to run. Pre-registration is required, and attendance numbers will be confirmed 24 hours in advance of the session. Should a session not reach the minimum attendance a cancellation email will be sent 24 hours prior to the event.
If there is additional interest in the sessions, we will look to schedule more in the future!
We strongly encourage all members to attend one of the sessions. A better understanding of the bargaining process empowers us all and strengthens our collective voice at the table.
In Unity,
WestJet Component LEC (Local Executive Committee)
President - Alia Hussain
Recording Secretary - Cameron Jones
Secretary-Treasurer - Alex Grigoriev
WS Unit Vice-President - Bryan Hansraj
WR Unit Vice-President - Heather Crippen
WG Unit Vice-President - Rena Kisfalvi
Special Membership Meeting (SMM)
Dear Members,
This notice is to inform you of an upcoming Special Membership Meeting being called to address key matters related to our Union's structure and bargaining priorities.
Meeting Information:
Date: April 10, 2025
Time: 10:00 - 13:00 MT (09:00 PT/11:00 CT/12:00 ET/13:00 AT)
Location: Virtual (Microsoft Teams)
The meeting will cover the following agenda items:
Click here to see the Official Meeting Agenda
Introduction of New Bylaws - Bryan Hansraj
Overview of proposed bylaw changes
Timeline for member referendum and next steps
Presentation of the 2025 Budget - Alex Grigoriev
Review of financial priorities
Resource planning to support upcoming negotiations and union operations
Bargaining Preparation for CA2 - Cameron Jones
Introduction to upcoming townhalls and Member education sessions
Discussion of bargaining timeline, engagement, and mobilization
Feedback from the membership has made it clear: there is little appetite to spend even one more day under the current Collective Agreement than is necessary. To move forward, we must first complete the foundational steps that will allow us to enter bargaining with strength and focus — this includes a phased approach to bylaw revisions, electing a Bargaining committee, and ensuring appropriate resources are in place. Any delay in this process will only extend our time under the current Collective Agreement and hinder our ability to pursue the improvements members expect.
We encourage all members to attend and take part in shaping the future of our Local. These items represent significant decisions that will guide how we approach bargaining and build internal strength for the challenges ahead.
A detailed meeting package will be circulated in advance for members to review the proposed budget and Bylaw revisions. Please stay tuned and see registration details below.
REGISTRATION DETAILS:
Click this link to register to attend the Special Membership Meeting
On the day of the meeting, to be granted entry into the meeting, you must change your name to reflect your current bargaining unit and First and Last Name as listed on the seniority list. If you cannot be verified, entrance to the meeting will not be granted. For integrating Sunwing Members, you have received your WestJet Employee number, please use that in your name.
Example: WS Joe Smith 87654 OR WR 12345 Bob Smith OR WG 45678 Karen Smith
Note: Once you register you may see the invite come through from CUPE 4070 - we are in the process of updating all of this to CUPE 8125 / WestJet Component.
We look forward to seeing you at this upcoming Special Membership Meeting!
In Unity,
WestJet Component LEC (Local Executive Committee)
President - Alia Hussain
Recording Secretary - Cameron Jones
Secretary-Treasurer - Alex Grigoriev
WS Unit Vice-President - Bryan Hansraj
WR Unit Vice-President - Heather Crippen
WG Unit Vice-President - Rena Kisfalvi