Honoring Black History and Becoming Inclusive Allies
As we continue our commitment to diversity and inclusion, celebrating Black History Month is a chance to deepen our understanding and become inclusive allies.
Understanding Black History Month:
Black History Month in Canada honours the achievements and experiences of Black Canadians. It’s a time to recognize their heritage and contributions to our nation.
The Role of an Ally:
Being an ally is about actively supporting and advocating for marginalized groups, including our Black colleagues. Here’s how we can become effective allies:
1. Educate Ourselves: Begin by exploring the history and struggles faced by Black Canadians. Understanding the past is key to appreciating the present and working towards a better future. Learn about the history and challenges they faced to better understand their contributions.
- Canadian Book Recommendation: To further your understanding, we recommend “The Skin We’re In” by Desmond Cole, both a book and an award-winning documentary. Cole’s writing immerses readers in the experiences of Black Canadians, offering a deep understanding of the challenges they face. The documentary takes this message further, visually and emotionally, through compelling interviews and storytelling.
2. Listen and Empathize: Actively listen to and empathize with the experiences of Black colleagues. Validate their experiences.
3. Speak Up: Challenge discrimination and bias when you witness it. Foster a safe space for open dialogue.
4. Amplify Voices: Support and encourage Black colleagues to share their stories and insights. Ensure their voices are heard.
Thank you for your dedication to diversity and inclusion within the Air Canada family.
In solidarity,
Olivier Faucher-Boisjoli
Co-Chair, Diversity & Inclusion Committee
Vacation Overpayment Process
On Thursday, January 25th we met with Air Canada Senior Management to express our serious concerns with the way that the vacation overpayment process was once again being mishandled. We identified that waiting until the end of the year is putting our members in a difficult position. Having to pay money back without a fulsome explanation is not acceptable. This was coupled with the fact that we were seeing different answers to the same questions from various planners. There is also the issue of retired members who are owed money for vacation, and they have been waiting months for the payment of vacation that is rightfully theirs.
We asserted that this entire process must be taken in hand and there must be consistency and integrity in their processes. We insisted that Air Canada take ownership of this and do a thorough internal review. We have also requested that owed expenses be paid out prior to any claw backs. So many of our members are struggling financially and this is yet another burden for them to carry. At the very least they are entitled to a process that is clear and self-explanatory. Ideally, we would like to see a process that takes place on an ongoing basis. That way members are advised in advance and not caught off guard when told they own hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Air Canada has ceased the process until they can do an internal review. We see this as a step in the right direction. We will update the membership as soon as we have any new information.
In solidarity,
