Face Covering Policy:
The face covering policy document was recently updated to reflect increased authority of crew to handle situations of non-compliance. It can be accessed by logging into ACAeronet>ePub>Covid-19 Tile>Face Covering Guidelines
We strongly recommend consulting this document prior to your next flight.
Service Increases:
In the 30JUN21 edition of IFS News, the company announced numerous service increases beginning on 07JUL21.
In late May 2021, after being briefed on proposed services changes the Union consulted an in-house occupational health and safety professional with a masters in immunology and doctorate in biomolecular sciences.
Also in late May, the Union consulted its American labour union partners regarding service, vaccinations and masking policies.
The Policy Health and Safety Committee participated in a risk assessment for service increases in May, and detailed commentary was submitted to the company on 26MAY21. Many of the Union’s concerns have not been addressed. These include:
- A more gradual approach to re-introducing alcoholic beverages, and a postponement of re-introduction in Y class until the fall, like American Airlines.
- Multi-step service in premium classes.
More importantly, many of the mitigations agreed to amongst stakeholders in the risk assessment remain partially completed or incomplete. These include:
- Further education of crew regarding safe serving and monitoring of alcohol onboard.
- Re-evaluation of multi-step services.
- Evaluation of effectiveness of onboard announcements.
Despite full participation in the company risk assessment, the Policy Committee was not provided an update on the measures taken, nor briefed on the final service changes prior to them being published in the IFS News.
The Union is particularly concerned about the re-introduction of alcohol at this time. It is widely recognized that two shots against COVID-19 is required in order to have good protection against the highly contagious Delta variant that now dominates in many of the destinations we serve, and the Union has noted that many of our customers and cabin crew may not have had the opportunity to be fully vaccinated. Alcohol is demonstrated to contribute to issues with mask wearing as well as to non-compliance with crew instructions onboard. It is closely associated with loud social interaction and lessening ones focus on precautions, something the Union considers a hazardous combination for our crew onboard.
Vaccination:
The Union continues to closely monitor the company’s vaccination policy and advocate accessibility of vaccination for its members, while recognizing the right of its members to make their own choices when it comes to their health. In addition, the Union has consulted with its North American labour union partners to inform itself about how other carriers and unions are addressing the issue.
To date there is no mandatory requirement for crew to provide any information to Air Canada or Air Canada Rouge regarding vaccination status, nor are there any vaccination requirements in place for any members at Air Canada or Air Canada Rouge.
Your health and safety representatives continue to advocate for appropriate protections that take into account the unvaccinated, partially vaccinated as well as fully vaccinated cabin crew members.
For further information regarding COVID-19 Vaccines, and paid leaves for vaccination click HERE.
The federal government has issued guidelines for social interaction depending on vaccination status. These can be viewed HERE .
The National Institute on Ageing has released a tool endorsed by the Public Health Agency of Canada to assist the public with assessing the risk of various social activities. There is a short and long version which can both be accessed HERE.
The PHAC’s detailed recommendations on the use of Covid-19 vaccines can be consulted HERE.
Delta Variant:
The Delta variant has become dominant in many areas of the world. It is estimated to be between 40-60% more contagious than the Alpha variant that caused the third wave this winter in Canada and nearly twice as contagious as the original SARS-CoV-2 virus that caused the first wave. Research is showing that two shots of double-dose vaccines is required in order to benefit from significant protection against symptomatic illness. Accordingly public health authorities have recommended prioritizing a second dose at the earliest possible convenience, even if the same brand as the first dose isn’t available.
Reporting:
Filing a report continues to be one of the most effective ways to get answers, drive change as well as ensure your health and safety rights are upheld. It’s also essential for reporting disruptive passenger events, including all cases of mask non-compliance.
All crew can and should file their own health and safety complaint as well as disruptive passenger reports.
Remember that all mask non-compliance must be communicated to Transport Canada by the company, but that this is only possible if YOU file the reports. Many members have expressed concern about fines being levied against the customer for minor non-compliance. Filing a report does not necessarily mean that action will be taken against the individual, particularly for low-level occurances. It serves to help the company, committees and TC understand the challenges you face onboard.
At ACRouge, follow e-reporting process as per your Pub to file the relevant disruptive passenger reports and/or health and safety complaints.
At Mainline here’s how to report a potential hazard or violation to the Canada Labour Code Part II or a disruptive/unruly passenger including mask non-compliance:
- FA’s only: ACF32 Health and Safety Concern Form
- FA’s only: ACF34-D Disruptive-Unruly Passenger Report
- Health and Safety Complaint E-Report OR Disruptive Passenger Security Report
- sims.aircanada.ca
- Sign in using your ACAeronet login credentials
- In the report menu (small box top right corner) scroll down to select the appropriate report
- iOS e-reporting app (Android coming soon)
- For FA’s Using your device follow this link to install the app and access its user guide: ePub > Administrative Procedures > Cabin Mobility > iMenu . Once the app is installed, go to:Settings > General > Device Management > Air Canada > Trust
- For SD’s use the e-report app on your iPad
- sims.aircanada.ca
We know there are many questions regarding the vaccines, COVID variants and on-board safety. Your Union is active around the clock to ensure all concerns are heard and addressed, please reach out, use correct forms and keep your Local Health and Safety CUPE reps appraised of any issues.
In Solidarity,
