JAZZ CSA/ACS Members: Jazz Aviation Announces Further Staff Reductions as it closes 4 Airport Bases

January 14, 2021 at 3:16 PM
Unifor has been put on notice by Jazz Aviation that they will cease flying operations to four Canadian airports in the coming weeks.  The four Jazz bases affected by the reduction are Goose Bay (YYR), Gander (YQX), Yellowknife (YZF), and Kamloops (YKA).  Air Canada issued a press release on January 13, 2021, advising they are reducing their flying capacity by a further 25 percent over the coming months.

The additional reductions in flying come on the heels of the recently announced government restrictions and regulations including testing and quarantine for travelers.  Jazz has confirmed that lay off notices will be issued, and members will have all rights afforded to them under the terms of the collective agreement. With regards to layoffs, including paid relocation, members choosing to relocate must have the seniority to do so.

Alternatively, if the layoff is chosen, members will automatically be placed into the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) program. Members who are laid off will qualify to receive the government-sponsored benefits which are paid by Jazz on their regular payroll schedule.  The current minimum payment is $500 per week to a maximum of $593 per week based on eligibility guidelines as provided by the government. We have secured the CEWS program until March, members have the option of maintaining their benefits if they so choose.

With this announcement, and in addition to the layoffs declared in January, approximately 100 members will be laid off since the start of the new year.This is in addition to the already approximately furloughed 500 members from earlier in the year. Although exact numbers have not been provided by Jazz, we estimate that for the airports' group alone we have seen a reduction in our membership of 65-75 percent.  

Throughout the pandemic, UNIFOR has consistently been calling on governments for a robust plan for the airline industry as a whole. The government has yet to provide a plan or details around any industry relief.  As we begin the new year, the next few months will continue to be challenging for our Jazz members and their families. However, we remain hopeful that the two approved vaccines by Health Canada will soon be made available and deployed across Canada in the coming months. 

We continue to maintain regular communication with Jazz Aviation and know that we are fighting for you and we will continue to protect the interests and the rights of our members.
 
Your elected union representatives are always available to assist or answer questions that you may have. 

Remember to take care of yourself and your loved ones as best as you can, and please use the resources available to you through Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) and other support groups should you need support during these difficult times.
 
 
In Solidarity,
Your Unifor Bargaining Committee
Denise Cochrane – Central Region (Chairperson)
Christine Bower – Pacific Region (Interim)
Astraea Sam – Western Region
Lucie Lapierre – Eastern Region
Wendy Barnes – Atlantic Region
Karl DeWit – Aircraft Services Division Canada
Josée Genois, Assistant to the Local President
Liz Marzari – Unifor National Representative