December 15, 2020 at 8:00 PM
Today, Unifor 2002 members at Flair Airlines ratified a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that goes into effect on January 1, 2021.
In an effort to avoid furloughing active Pilots, the Company and Union have agreed to a temporary 50% reduction in monthly flying for active Pilots. Flair Airlines has been participating in the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) program and will continue to access CEWS so long as it is available and appropriate to do so.
"As we continue to see the negative repercussions that COVID-19 is having on Canada's aviation sector, Flair Airlines has also had to adjust their business practices accordingly," said Don Ross, Acting Unifor Local 2002 President. "This was not an easy decision made by our Unifor Pilots at Flair Airlines, but it was a decision that was required in an effort to maintain jobs and help keep the airline operational until load factors improve in 2021."
Unifor and its aviation locals have been calling on the federal government to create a national aviation recovery strategy so that airlines, airports and navigation services can emerge from the Pandemic and compete and contribute globally. Unfortunately, airline workers across Canada are still waiting and a recovery strategy has yet to be announced.
Unifor representatives will continue to keep the lines of communication open with Flair Airlines in the coming weeks and months and will be monitoring business operations as we emerge from the Pandemic.
This Memorandum of Agreement between Unifor and Flair Airlines will expire on February 28, 2021 unless both parties agree to an extension with the approval from the membership.
For more information, please contact:
Ashley Watkins, Assistant to the Local 2002 President
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