October 3, 2013 at 10:00 AM
On October 2, 2013 the Union met with the Employer with regards to adding the
bussing requirements to the Airfield Maintenance Specialists position located
within the Airfield Maintenance Facility (AMF).
During bargaining the employer - after several proposals were declined
- put
the Union on notice regarding bussing and their intention to add it to the
Airfield Maintenance Specialists duties. A process was never agreed at this time
and it was the Unions understanding that the Employer would discuss this
requirement further in order to create a process to facilitate both the
employers' requirements while ensuring the members’ best interests were
maintained. Therefore, when the Employer sent out the notice to the AMF staff
Monday, September, 30, we were caught off guard and arranged meetings to try to
come to a satisfactory resolve.
After a meeting in morning with Senior Management and a smaller meeting with
People and Culture in the afternoon, the Union believes we have come to a
solution that satisfies the Employers requirements while maintaining the work
within in the Bargaining Unit by utilizing a "volunteer" option. In all cases,
there will be no cost to the members for the required training and medicals as
required by Ministry of Transport should they elect to obtain their "CZ"
license.
Other items discussed were the scope of work which was defined as an Ad-Hoc
basis and not planned work. Examples of Ad-Hoc are: aircraft remaining on the
tarmac without being able to be deplane for three hours; emergency landings;
sporadic hard stands operations and tours. In addition, a standard operational
procedure will be formulated outlining items such as: airline representatives
must be present on the bus; ACAP (Airport Customer Assistance Program)
representatives for people with disabilities and other pertinent information. In
short, the Airfield Maintenance Specialist is there to drive the bus only and
not be a tour guide.
A town hall meeting for AMF staff with Management and the Union has been
scheduled for Friday October 4 at 07:45 to receive more details. In addition,
the parties involved will be present to answer any questions or concerns of our
members. Should you not be able to attend the meeting please contact the Union
office at 416-776-3103 or a member of your bargaining committee.
For further information please contact:
Ashley Watkins, Local 2002
Executive Assistant