Please see below letter that was sent today to Dr. Theresa Tam, Chief Public Health Officer from the Public Health Agency of Canada, Ms. Brenda Baxter, Director General of Workplace Directorate, ESDC and Mr. Kevin Brosseau, Assistance Deputy Minister, Safety and Security regarding COVID-19 and the sanitization of aircraft.
In Solidarity,
Wesley Lesosky
President, Air Canada Component of CUPE
The Health and Safety committee issued this bulletin previously in 2018 and we think it is important in this time to remind our members of their right to not only refuse dangerous work but more importantly to ask questions and seek solutions as soon as they feel the need.
With regards to the countless reports concerning grooming, no masks, no gloves and limited wipes, we remind you that the company has committed to boarding these and you have the power to request that these items be boarded prior to departure. Operations should not take precedence over the receipt of these precautionary and required tools that are there for your safety and the safety of our passengers.
Please continue to report any issues with the above through the proper Air Canada reporting channels as well as a copy to your Union.
The Three Fundamental Health & Safety Rights
The Canada Labour Code Part II provides three fundamental rights to all employees covered by federal health and safety legislation. The law also protects employees from discipline when exercising their safety rights and/or duties as long as they act in good faith. This applies to all employees regardless of any probationary period.
Remember these three rights. They’ll keep you and your colleagues safe when put to practice.
1. The right to know
Never feel silly to ask a question. It is your legal right to know about anything that could affect your health & safety in the workplace.
The Federal Labour Program explains it like this:
Through the provisions of the Code, employees have the right to be informed of known or foreseeable hazards in the work place and to be provided with the information, instruction, training and supervision necessary to protect their health and safety.
This right to know is strengthened by ensuring that the methods of communication are appropriate for all employees, including employees with special needs.
Through their health and safety committees or representatives, employees are given the right to have access to government or employer reports relating to the health and safety of employees, but do not have access to medical records of any person except with that person’s consent.
2. The right to participate
You participate by filing reports, health and safety complaints, and by being present for all elements of an investigation in a work refusal. You also participate by following the standard operating procedures provided by the company, which are intended to promote safety in the workplace. If you choose to refer a health and safety complaint to your local workplace health & safety committee, your Union representatives then participate on your behalf.
Remember that it is both your right and also your duty to participate by reporting all hazards, potential hazards and accidents/occupational illnesses to the company. It is much harder for the company to inform employees of hazards and for it to eliminate them, and for health and safety committees to do their work if they aren’t reported!
3. The right to refuse dangerous work.
Under the Canada Labour Code Part II, employees have the right to refuse dangerous work without risking or losing their wages and without fear of discipline as long as the refusal is made in good faith, and subject to certain conditions including measures to prevent placing other people at risk.
The Union issued a bulletin on the topic including what danger is and when, and how you can exercise your right.
FURTHER READING:
CUPE – Your three essential health and safety rights
CCOHS – Three Fundamental Rights
In solidarity,
Your Air Canada Component of CUPE Health and Safety Committee
As the industry is rapidly changing, so are the realities at Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge with regards to leaves currently and going forward.
With regards to leaves, if you are requesting a leave for the current day or following day, please reach out to crew scheduling directly.
For all other leaves in the current block month, due to large changes, and until advised otherwise by the Company (Air Canada or Air Canada Rouge) please wait to contact crew scheduling until the day prior.
For members wishing to take a SPLOA at Air Canada, in the following April 2020 block month, please contact Air Canada Crew Planning with this request. Again, further information may come out from the Company in this regard.
For members at Air Canada Rouge wanting leaves for April 2020, please await confirmation from Air Canada Rouge on the availability/offer.
Any questions with regards to leaves, please reach out to the Company directly, they administer these leaves and can assist you with any questions you may have.
In Solidarity,
Wesley Lesosky
President, Air Canada Component of CUPE
As you may have seen by now, Arielle’s weekly message to the Company’s employees has come out and there is some information in it we feel should be shared.
In synopsis, the industry is very impacted by COVID-19 and the ever-expanding travel restrictions. There has been a decline in air travel as businesses and individuals reconsider non-essential travel. This will likely not come as any surprise to you, as our members have been working on the front lines and are acutely aware of the situation. We want to let you know that we have received numerous emails and calls from our members about this situation. We have sent out numerous bulletins in our efforts to keep you informed and will continue to do so. We remind you that if you need support during this time that EAP is available for you.
Your Union is well aware of the issues you are facing and the uncertainty you may be feeling. Some positive takeaways from today’s communication are that at the current time Air Canada has no plans for large-scale layoffs. Arielle also confirmed that the 2019 profit sharing payment will still be paid-out as planned.
In-Flight Service also put out a bulletin today thanking you “for continuing to report for your flights as usual unless we specifically advise you otherwise.” This does not address the issue of staying home when sick, nor does it recognize proactive reassignment or the Right to Refuse Dangerous Work. As such we would like to remind our members to book-off sick if you are feeling unwell. If you are uncomfortable with flying to a certain destination you should reach out to Crew Scheduling or Base Management and discuss your options. Please also copy in your Local if you experience any issues.
In closing, we would like to say that the Union is very proud that our members continue to carry out their duties with courage, dedication, determination and the utmost professionalism. We promise you that we will demonstrate those same qualities in all of our dealings with the Company and the government, and ensure that your concerns have a voice.
In addition, there will be an additional opportunity to request a Special Leave of Absence (SPLOA) for the April 2020 block month. If you didn’t previously bid for one and are interested, please reach out to Crew Scheduling. If you have any issues, please do not hesitate to reach out.
We ask you to always remember that your EAP Committee is here for you. They can be reached at (905)676-2088 and (604)270-5703. Should you wish to contact Homewood Health directly, please call 1(800)663-1142 (English) or 1(866)398-9505 (French).
In Solidarity,
We want you to know that as this pandemic unfolds there should be no shame or fear of reaching out for support if you fall ill and are diagnosed with COVID-19. Nor should there be if a family member is.
Please know that in a recent shift, the Union has NOT been advised of specific member details regarding recent confirmed cases. While we sort this out, please don’t be shy to reach out and let us know your situation so that we may assist in any way we can.
While it is understandable that our members may be referred to their provincial health hotlines and requested to visit special clinics if they are exhibiting symptoms of illness associated with COVID-19, the Union is very concerned by reports from healthy non-symptomatic members that they are being denied regular routine medical (including dental) services purely based on their profession as cabin crew.
We need your assistance IMMEDIATELY in order to address this issue with the relevant authorities and professional associations.
If you have been denied medical (including dental) services specifically because you are cabin crew, and you are not high risk (in self-isolation due to contact with someone who has COVID-19 or showing symptoms of illness) please email us at contact@accomponent.ca with the following:
– Any specifics about the incident that you feel comfortable providing. We will respect your privacy.
– The date, name of the facility, city and province.
In Solidarity,
Wesley Lesosky
President, Air Canada Component of CUPE
