July 15, 2022 at 5:40 PM
With the summer peak travel underway, Unifor members are experiencing implausible working conditions from creeping flight delays, canceled and oversold flights, irregular operations, and long lineups at the Jazz airport counters. Despite the recent announcement from Air Canada, stating they have reduced their flight schedule for July and August to reduce passenger volumes the challenges remain for our Jazz members.
The bargaining committee is aware that the Employer is offering improved starting wages for new hires in an attempt to attract and retain new employees. This decision was made by the Company with minimal consultation with your bargaining committee. We agree and understand that this is unfair and does not fix the current issues that our members are facing.
Recently, the Company informed the Union that they would be paying members in Montreal and Toronto time and a half (1.5 hrs) for all hours worked for the period
June 30th to July 5th. Unifor firmly believes that all members should be treated equally and deserve better pay for the work they do.
Challenges at Toronto Pearson International Airport
The Company approached the Union this week to discuss the staffing challenges that they are facing specifically at Toronto Pearson International airport. There are staff shortages in the Towing classification/unit and they cannot keep up with the number of tows and flight delays.
We were advised that the Company has hired a third-party contractor to assist with the towing of aircraft in Toronto.
We understand the challenges that the airline industry is facing, however, the Union’s position is that our work cannot be contracted out. We also made it clear to the Company that our members are overworked not only in Toronto but in every base and location across the system. We will continue to challenge the Company and won’t stop fighting for our members.
We will be back at the bargaining table in mid-August, until then, we invite our members to support your bargaining committee and support each other. Together we are stronger.
In Solidarity,
Your Unifor Bargaining Committee
Lucie Lapierre, Eastern Region – Chairperson
Astraea Sam, Western Region
Christine Bower, Pacific Region
Annette Boissonneault, Central Region and YQT
Wendy Barnes, Atlantic Region
Karl de Witt, Aircraft Services
Josée Genois, Assistant to the Local President
Shayne Fields, Unifor National Representative