September 11, 2024 at 12:04 PM
On July 4, 2024, the membership, sent a powerful message: Jazz's offer to our JTS and Line Maintenance workers was inadequate to meet the current labour realities and fell far short of expectations. The Company did their own calculation thinking that it would be just enough to pass a ratification vote, much like they had done with the Jazz Pilots previously. Obviously, that was a gross miscalculation.
Following the rejection of the tentative agreement, Unifor expressed our readiness to negotiate an updated Memorandum of Settlement (MOS) that genuinely reflects the realities of today’s aviation industry and addresses your needs. Despite ongoing labour challenges—challenges that are worsening—the Company has not shown a willingness to return to the table, despite our efforts.
With that avenue exhausted, our focus now turns to full-scale bargaining. We have formally requested early bargaining and have filed our intentions with the Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB). The membership has been consistent in saying that they need more money in their pockets now and the tool we have left to achieve that is early bargaining. Our goal is to be ready to start in January 2025.
Here’s how we’ll proceed:
Notice to Bargain
Unifor National has officially submitted a Notice to Bargain to Jazz and the CIRB. This legal step initiates the bargaining process and confirms our intent to negotiate in accordance with the Canada Labour Code. We are awaiting a formal response from the Company.
Bargaining Surveys
Although we’ve heard directly from many of you during our travels across the country, electronic surveys remain crucial for capturing the full scope of your priorities. These surveys will provide critical data to guide our bargaining strategy.
Bargaining Committee Election
The current Bargaining Committee’s term ends on March 30, 2025. To ensure we enter negotiations with a fresh mandate, the committee members have volunteered to end their terms early, enabling elections to align with the early bargaining timeline. Elections could begin soon, pending the response to our Notice to Bargain.
Plebiscites
These are comparable to surveys, but instead of asking multiple questions, they would focus on a single topic or even a few topics to get feedback. These single-topic votes will be used to clarify survey data and gauge your views on specific issues. For example, if vacation policy changes are a priority, a plebiscite could help us refine the options to best reflect your preferences.
Raid Concerns
As we anticipate another raid attempt by AMFA during the “open period,” we remain confident that Unifor provides the strongest representation, not only at the bargaining table but throughout the entire contract term. We are committed to safeguarding your interests and supporting the elected leadership. A raid could disrupt the bargaining progress, but our focus is to try to get to full bargaining as soon as possible.
For years, Jazz has benefited from low manpower costs at your expense. That era is over. Unifor is committed to bringing back a contract that meets or exceeds your expectations.
In solidarity,
Josée Genois, Assistant to the Local President
Tammy Moore, President, Unifor Local 2002