October 2, 2009 at 4:40 PM
Earlier today the CAW held a conference call with the Director of Airport and Operational Performance along with a number of other departmental heads of Canadian North.
As most of you are aware, the Company has announced that they are closing the Hay River (YHY) and Calgary (YYC) bases later this month. Furthermore, the company has also announced that due to the reduced flight schedule they have elected to reduce the manpower in Edmonton (YEG) and Yellowknife (YZF).
- Edmonton (YEG) reduction of 1 FT and 3 PT
- Yellowknife (YZF) reduction of 1FT and 6 PT
The President of Canadian North stated in her announcement, the Company will do everything possible to mitigate the reductions by offering leaves of absence to Airport Customer Service Agents at both Yellowknife and Edmonton locations.
The company has made it clear to the CAW that they will begin the process of notifying all CAW members that the company is accepting requests for leave of absence in order to mitigate the layoffs. The company has told the union that every member will be notified no later than Monday, October 5th of their option to submit a leave of absence if desired. Those members who submit a request should forward a copy of the request to Aida Kirameddine, CAW Chairperson at [email protected]. Seniority and the length of the leave will be factors when awarding the leaves.
The company has advised the CAW the layoffs will be initiated with the commencement of the new flight schedule.
We have advised the company that we expect to be involved throughout the restructuring process. Figures and statistics relative to bases, number of employees, and a breakdown per status was received by the union shortly after the conference call.
We continue to remain vigilant with the employer and will update you further as this process unfolds.
In Solidarity,
Aida Kirameddine, Chairperson District 226
Corinne Aubin, Vice President, Western Region
Ashley Watkins, Executive Assistant, East (on behalf of Ron DiPasquale)