Air Canada CSSA’s: Notes from Negotes - Unifor Local 2002 Files for Conciliation

Air Canada CSSA’s: Notes from Negotes - Unifor Local 2002 Files for Conciliation

December 2, 2019 at 4:30 PM

  

Win as One-Unifor!

Your Bargaining Committee has been at the bargaining table with the Company on several occasions to bargain a new collective agreement. This past week (November 25 to 29, 2019) the Bargaining Committee convened yet again with Air Canada in an attempt to finalize our non-monetary proposals.

On Tuesday, November 25, 2019, Unifor's National Researcher tabled a document that delivered a harsh reality check to Air Canada. The research document confirmed that we as members have been economically disadvantaged by stagnant wages which is a direct result of the Company’s reluctance to share the wealth.

We also relayed to Air Canada the daily struggles that our members voiced from our proposal meetings across the country. Some of the hardship that our members have had to endure to work for this Company include; the inability to afford a vehicle to get to work where public transportation does not exist, members unable to cover basic living costs and the reality of having such things as food pantry’s in our workplaces so colleagues do not go hungry. These are poignant stories of front-line workers who cannot get ahead when corporations' sole focus is only on shareholder returns. There must be a fundamental commitment to ensuring that all stakeholders benefit from the Company's success.

We also voiced our concerns on the struggles and frustration that the members are experiencing with the new PSS system, including the need for additional training and support.

Late Friday afternoon, after lengthy discussions and debate, the Bargaining Committee made the decision to progress to the next step. As a result, Unifor filed for conciliation on December 2, 2019.

As a result of filing for conciliation, a third party has been requested to assist the Union and the Company to reach an agreement. It is not a decision that was made lightly by the Bargaining Committee, and it is our turn now to "Win as One-Unifor" and make the gains our members have earned.

Although we have filed for Conciliation, we would like to remind the members that this is just the next step in the negotiation process. We will be resuming negotiations with Air Canada during the week of January 13, 2020. The Union is confident that we can achieve a collective agreement that is equitable and that will satisfy our member's needs.
  

What is the Conciliation Process?

  • Unifor filed a Notice of Dispute to the Federal Minister of Labour

  • Minister will appoint a Federal Conciliation Officer within 15 days

  • The Conciliator will meet with Union and Employer over a 60-day period to facilitate negotiations

  • The parties may agree to extend the conciliation period if negotiations are progressing

  • At the end of this period, the parties enter a 21 day "cooling off period”

  • Conciliator files report to the Federal Minister of Labour

  • While in conciliation, the Company may not lock out employees and the Union may not take strike action

  • Strike action is only ever taken as a last resort and after conditions (such as a strike vote and 72 hours advance notice) are met

  

In closing, another honourable mention in our slogan contest is Wendy Morin for her entry - "We Stand Strong".

Please stay informed, and direct any questions or concerns to your District Chairperson. Please ensure that you have subscribed to unifor2002.org.

  

In solidarity,

Your Air Canada Bargaining Committee
Frances Galambosy, Central Region, Chairperson
Tammy Moore, Atlantic Region
Benoit Lapointe, Eastern Region
Joanne Goulet, Western Region
Steve Murphy, Pacific Region
Euila Leonard, President Unifor Local 2002
Leslie Dias, Unifor Director – Airlines Sector