DAYS SINCE WE BEGAN THE BARGAINING PROCESS. WE ARE UNITED AND WE WILL MAKE CHANGE.

Help the CUPE Airline Division fight unpaid work

Lisa Raymond on October 3, 2023

CUPE’s Airline Division is calling on our 18,500 members across Canada to share their stories of unpaid work, to help bolster its effort to end the abuse of unpaid work in the airline sector.

The Division has prepared a survey where members can share their experiences, which will contribute to CUPE’s application under the Canada Labour Code to the Canada Industrial Relations Board.

Do you have examples of unpaid work you’ve performed for your airline that you want to share as part of this effort? You can fill in the survey here:

https://survey-sondage.cupe.ca/index.php/769241?lang=en (English)

https://survey-sondage.cupe.ca/index.php/769241?lang=fr  (French)

In Solidarity,

Wesley Lesosky
President, Air Canada Component of CUPE
w.lesosky@accomponent.ca

Launch of New Mobile App

Lisa Raymond on October 3, 2023

We are pleased to announce that we have relaunched our mobile app. This was a long-involved process in which we sought out an appropriate company to do this work and we worked with Google and Apple to get the app off the ground.

We did get positive feedback about the previous mobile app, and we have redesigned the new app with your feedback in mind. This launch is a part of our short and long-term plans to reach you in the most effective way possible.   One of the new additions to our app is the ability to store information in an offline mode. That way, if you are not able to access Wi-Fi you can still save valuable documents offline and consult them in a pinch.

See below for links to our new mobile app in the app store:

Google: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.accomponent

Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/acc-cupe/id6461773860

As we have noted in the past, knowledge is power. It is cliché and a time worn adage, but it holds true even today.  We sincerely believe that when our members are well informed it gives them confidence to challenge some of the misinformation that is shared with them and to think critically.  An educated and informed collective holds a great deal of strength.  If you have ideas of your own about how we can communicate better, we would love to hear from you.  Please provide frank feedback about this new app. We want it to be an effective tool and an integral part of our communication strategy. If you are not yet subscribed to our bulletins, please write to us at contact@accomponent.ca.

In solidarity,

EAP Update – October 2023

Lisa Raymond on October 3, 2023

Greetings, Bonjour!

We are delighted to present our inaugural newsletter, uniting both our Mainline and Rouge Flight Attendants. This edition serves as an ideal platform to introduce ourselves and shed light on the array of services at your disposal through our EAP – Peer Assistance Program.

What is the EAP – Peer Assistance Program?

Simply put, the EAP –  Peer Assistance Program is a free and confidential referral service available to employees, their families, and retirees.  This program is a collaborative effort, sponsored jointly by the union and the company. The committee is supported by annually trained flight attendants who volunteer their time to assist their fellow cabin crew members with referrals to professional services.

I’ve come across EAP and EFAP on the company portal, but I’m curious to understand how they differ from the CUPE – Peer Assistance Program?

They are both workplace support programs, but they serve different purposes and have distinct characteristics:

CUPE – Peer Assistance Program:

The Peer Assistance Program aims to provide a confidential, safe space for flight attendants to seek support. Trained Peer Coordinators, who are flight attendants themselves, offer emotional support, guidance, and connections to resources. The program focuses on promoting well-being among flight attendants by offering referrals to clinical professionals and community resources.

UBY – EFAP (Employee and Family Assistance Program):

Is a workplace benefit designed to provide confidential assistance to employees dealing with personal or work-related issues that may affect their well-being, job performance, or overall productivity.  This is available through the UBY portal.

“In summary, EFAP services are comprehensive, professional support programs provided by the employer, while Peer Assistance Programs involve employees supporting each other through shared experiences.”

To reach us, please email us at eap@accomponent.ca.

YUL EAP Cell: 514-862-2041
YYZ EAP Cell: 647-802-0895
YYC EAP Cell: 403-472-6868
YVR EAP Cell: 778-991-4112

24/7 Emergency EAP Cell: 403-472-6868

Virtual Grief Support meeting

October 26, 2023 at 13:00 EDT

Are you grieving the death of a loved one? Do you have questions about grief?  You are not alone.

On October 26, Sean McGuire will offer support and information about the grief journey.  Grief can be unpredictable, confusing, sad and lonely.  This support group is a confidential and safe place to learn more about grief and living with loss. We will limit the meeting to a small group in order to provide an opportunity to share and explore your journey with grief. The meeting will be available to Mainline and Rouge members.

This session will take place virtually via Zoom on Thursday, October 26 at 13:00 EDT.

To register please email Sean at seanthomas@rogers.com.

Sean is a Service Director based in YYZ who holds a master’s degree in Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy.  Sean is also a member of the Ontario Association Mental Health Professionals. He has been facilitating grief support meetings at Air Canada for 15 years.

Virtual Recovery Support Meetings
Cabin Crew – Peer Recovery Program: 

October 11, 2023 at 12:00 EDT
October 25, 2023 at 12:00 EDT

This meeting is designed to provide a safe and empathetic space for flight attendants to gather and openly discuss their experiences, challenges, and achievements in their journey towards recovery from substance use.  Whether you are currently in recovery or simply curious, this gathering offers a supportive network of colleagues who comprehend the distinctive demands of our profession.

To register simply email: eap@accomponent.ca.

Virtual Support Meeting, with Dr. Johanna O’Flaherty: 

October 10, 2023 at 12:00 EDT

Join Dr. O’Flaherty, a distinguished trauma psychologist, in a secure and nurturing virtual space where flight attendants unite to heal, connect, and thrive.  Dr. O’Flaherty, an expert in trauma psychology, guides these support sessions with compassion and profound knowledge, fostering an environment where participants can discover comfort and empowerment as they embark on their supported journey.

Please register at:  eap@accomponent.ca.

Wishing our dedicated flight attendants, a soaring start to a wonderful October! May your flights be smooth, your passengers be cheerful, and your journeys be filled with excitement and joy throughout this beautiful autumn month…
In solidarity,

Vanessa Beaudoin-Grégoire
Chair, Component EAP Committee