October 2, 2023 at 12:00 PM
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Dear Local 2002 Jazz and JTS members,
Since our last bulletin, we have completed touring the JTS and Jazz bases and this bulletin is part of the ongoing commitment we made at those meetings to have more communications coming out of the Local.
PILOT MEMORANDUM OF SETTLEMENT
Unifor remains resolute in our expectation that our members receive the same level of respect and consideration as our counterparts within the Jazz pilot group.
Unifor recently met with Jazz during the Union/Management HQ meeting in Halifax, regarding pilot negotiations and why Jazz does not want to open talks with Unifor on a Memorandum of Agreement or a Letter of Understanding.
The Company pointed out the pilot shortage and the 60% flow through agreement with Air Canada as being the major issue behind not attracting or retaining pilots. The Company met with the pilots and – without re-opening the contract – agreed to a deal where, in exchange for a reduction of the flow agreement to 30%, Air Canada gave more money to the pilots.
While Jazz took the stance that they were not in a critical position when it came to being able to maintain their operations as far as maintenance was concerned versus the pilot group, claiming they could not sell it to Air Canada to justify the cost.
Unifor has requested a meeting with the top brass at Jazz, so they can tell you directly why they don't value the maintenance staff the same as the pilots. However, the UMHQ process remains a good process to resolve issues between the union and the Company.
PAL AIRLINES AGREEMENT WITH AIR CANADA
As you may be aware, Unifor is fighting Air Canada’s decision to lay off more than 50 Jazz members in Newfoundland and Labrador as the Company makes changes to its services in Gander, Happy Valley-Goose Bay and Deer Lake and taking PAL Airlines into the fold beginning Nov. 1.
"Unifor is committed to fighting vigorously for our aviation members at Jazz," said Unifor National President Lana Payne.
"Companies like Air Canada can’t just be cavalier about bringing in new contracts and expect our union to sit by on the sidelines. Our members are dedicated to their jobs and deserve respect."
The union is filing a number of grievances and lawyers are looking into possible contravention of labour standards legislation. The union is also researching the capacity purchase agreement (CPA), which details how Air Canada outsources a portion of its business to other companies.
Because of the severe pilot shortage, Jazz Aviation has agreed to have PAL Airlines fly regional routes for Air Canada out of Halifax on an interim bridging agreement.
For now, they can only fly in Canada because they do not have approval to complete cross-border routes to the US. If they do get that approval, it could potentially affect our Halifax Line Operations if PAL Airlines were to expand from the current three aircraft to six or seven.
At the JTS UMHQ on September. 14, the Company stated that it is not imminent or assured, but we should not ignore the possibility.
DOCTOR’S NOTES
A couple of weekends ago the Company issued a notice that going forward, a doctor's note was required for every sick day. This notice only made it to our members in Toronto, although it appears that it would have been the Jazz policy across the system.
Unifor stepped in immediately and had that memo retracted. It was wrong at so many levels and illustrates the Company's lack of regard for the rules and lack of regard for any semblance of morale.
OPEN PERIOD
As discussed in our cross-country tour, the open period for any potential raid starts October 1, 2023. Switching to the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association will not get you to the bargaining table any sooner.
We are certain that Unifor has the experience, expertise, and resources to best lead you to achieve the gains that you are looking for. What is needed from our members is the solidarity to demand a fair settlement when the time comes to negotiate a new contract in 2025.
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Unifor has the power of 315,000 members strong across Canada, lobby experience and strike fund to support you. We organize. We win.
As always, we want to hear your feedback. Reach out to your union workplace representatives if you have questions. You could also contact your vice-president or bargaining chairperson directly:
DON ROSS
Local 2002, Jazz Maintenance Vice-President
(778) 227-0093 Cell
[email protected]
TIM WAY
Local 2002, Jazz Technical Services Bargaining Chairperson
(902) 499-5119 Cell
[email protected]
JOHN MURAWESKY
Local 2002, Jazz Line Maintenance Chairperson
(778) 896-7737 Cell
[email protected]
In solidarity,
Tammy Moore, Unifor Local 2002 President
Josée Genois, Assistant to the Unifor Local 2002 President
Don Ross, Jazz Maintenance Vice-President, Unifor Local 2002
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/23-10-02 Unifor-Jazz Communiqué EN.txt