Many of you have been reaching out in response to the recent announcement made by Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge regarding their preparations for an “orderly shutdown to mitigate customer impact.” This is in response to the collective bargaining process with ALPA, the pilots Union.
Your Component Officers met with representatives of Labour Relations earlier today to discuss some language in LOU 6 and various scenarios that may come up. Click HERE to view our last bulletin on LOU 6.
While the employer has signaled publicly that “unless an agreement is reached, beginning on September 15, 2024, either party may issue a 72-hour strike or lock out notice, which would trigger the carrier’s three-day wind down plan” at this point the plan has not been actioned.
We understand that members are seeking information; specifically, in relation to salary continuance and scheduling. The employer has provided assurance that all members will continue to be paid and supported while away from home base should there be a disruption affecting their return flight. The employer has also recognized that the commuter policy contained in LOU 47 remains in effect. Click HERE for Letter of Understanding 47: Commuter Policy. Questions or concerns regarding the application of the commuter policy should be directed to your Inflight Service managers. Please note that if you are a commuter, and you have not advised your manager, you must do this to have the commuter policy apply to you.
LOU 6 of the Collective Agreement outlines the administrative process that would be followed should the employer choose to place members on “Off Duty Status” (ODS) including the ability to collect employment insurance. Click HERE for Letter of Understanding 6: Operational Disruptions.
In the event you are placed on Off Duty Status, the maintenance of company benefits, along with the accrual of vacation, sick time, and pensionable service will be maintained. Those on statutory leaves provided for under the Canada Labour Code such as maternity and parental leave would remain on leave and will not be affected by the Off Duty Status.
We commit to keeping you informed throughout this period of fluidity as new information comes to us. When we know, you will be advised.
In solidarity,
