In response to the company’s unreasonable blanket prohibition preventing laid off members from working for other airlines as flight attendants, your union has filed mainline and Rouge policy grievances to challenge the company’s restrictive and unfair policy.
It is flagrant abuse of management rights to prevent members from earning wages during these uncertain times. Our members have admirably borne the effects of pandemic and the loss of their livelihoods. Given that there is no certainty on reopening borders and when financial assistance will be delivered to the sector, the company’s actions are particularly harsh and punitive.
While the company alleges that the Conflict of Interest policy prohibits members from being employed by other airlines, there is no reason to prevent laid off employees from earning a living wage right now. The company has failed to demonstrate that laid off employees working for other airlines during the pandemic is a conflict of interest. It is in the interest of the union’s members to avail themselves of job opportunities in their chosen profession while on lay off.
We are committed to challenging the company’s conduct and representing the interests of our members.
In Solidarity,
Wesley Lesosky
President, Air Canada Component of CUPE