June 14, 2011 at 8:45 PM
Regrettably, CAW members who work at Air Canada are now out on strike after the two sides were unable to reach a tentative agreement by the June 13th 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time deadline.
"This is an extremely difficult time for both our Jazz and Air Canada members that work side by side at all of our shared bases," said Jamie Ross, President of CAW Local 2002.
"It has come to our attention that because of the strike at Air Canada, some of our members are being asked by management to parachute into these bases to perform work normally done by an Air Canada worker. This work is only available because of the strike," said Ross.
Jazz contends that they are not violating the Collective agreement. However, the CAW believes that this practice was meant to enhance the existing staff at the base; not replace struck work by Air Canada or Jazz.
Parachuting is strictly a volunteer option for the Jazz membership. The CAW requests that any member who is approached for such a task that they reject the offer until the Company and Union reach a fair collective agreement.
Jazz could easily be in the same position, and members would not appreciate Air Canada parachuting into the bases to take on scope work normally completed by a Jazz worker.
Members should understand that management is trying to divide the Jazz and Air Canada membership by deploying this unethical contingency plan.
For more information, please contact:
Ashley Watkins, CAW Local 2002 Executive Assistant, East