days until our Collective Agreement expires, we are preparing, we are united and we will make change.

LHR – Signage for Crews

Concerned members have sent the Union photos, similar to the one shown below, of notices that are appearing in London (LHR).

We contacted the Company regarding this notice and have been informed that it is not a directive from In-Flight Service.  These notices appear to have originated from local management in London, without consultation, and we have been advised that they will be taken down.

In Solidarity,

Wesley Lesosky
President, Air Canada Component of CUPE

Climate Change

Since 16-year-old Swedish activist Greta Thunberg travelled across the Atlantic Ocean in a zero-emission sailboat to attend the United Nations climate summit in New York, youth around the world have rallied against climate change. Climate change has developed from a topic of conversation into an urgent call for action. Globally, and here in Canada, our youth are demanding that world leaders make the necessary changes to ensure that they will have a safe planet to inherit and care for once they become adults.

On September 27, 2019, climate strikes will be hosted all over the world, including here at home. Greta Thunberg will be attending the strike in Montreal, which is starting at 12 noon. If you are in Montreal we encourage you to participate in this global event. The meeting point is at Parc Mont-Royal in front of the George-Étienne Cartier Statue.  CUPE Quebec flags will be distributed near the Statue.  Four major Montreal school boards, as well as several colleges and universities, are closing to support the students. Globally, students are calling for schools to show their commitment with closures. The purpose of the climate change protest is to call on governments to take concrete action to combat climate change.

What can we do? The call to mobilize against climate change unites everyone all over the world. Find out more at the official event page for the Global Climate Strike at fridaysforfuture.org. The site provides background information, shows you how to register, and can help you find a march taking place near you. There is also important guidance on how to protest peacefully and safely. This movement benefits us all.

On activesustainability.com recommendations include everything from being energy efficient, which helps save money personally (turning off lights and unplugging devices), to getting out to vote for policy makers that can institute legislation that combats climate change, to tips on recycling. On davidsuzuki.org you will find more ideas on things we can personally improve on like the suggestions contained in “Eat for a Climate Stable Planet,” and making certain investments. Common themes in the movement are supporting global education on how climate change affects us, and how we can help with small changes in our own lives.

We work for an employer with a large carbon footprint. We believe that the company has a responsibility to do all it can to be environmentally responsible, just like any other corporation. Our members are best suited to see ways in which we can do better for our planet, including helping Air Canada to be more responsible. Some suggestions are as simple as using paper straws and doing away with unnecessary plastic waste.

We want to hear from you! Please write to us at mobilizationandengagement@accomponent.ca with your ideas and we will bring them to the employer on your behalf.

We represent a global airline and we are global travellers. We are uniquely aware of what the world looks like, and the different ways in which we are all connected. Regardless of our politics or beliefs, we can stand together to protect our planet and safeguard all the amazing natural wonders it has to offer. Let’s commit to spreading the word in our communities, schools, and among friends! Climate change is unique in that it affects everyone everywhere and we can all take action. All 7 billion of us.

In Solidarity,

Nicola Schnell
Chair, Mobilization and Engagement Committee

PBS: Enhancements/Changes

The next update to PBS will bring us to version 19-3. The information below is to bring you up to date on the changes that this update will feature.

With the update to PBS is also a change to new servers. This will give greater stability during bidding vs the old servers. This move will also bring about a change to the sign in process which will use a Single Sign On (SSO) process. SSO will redirect you to the AC Portal for signing in only. After you sign in you are brought back to PBS.

Below is an in-depth bulletin that deals with this subject:

PBS Bulletin 2019-02 - Enhancements-Changes - 19-3 + SSO (1)

A Message From Your Component Officers

In the most recent Move Me News we have seen that Air Canada is providing more “tips” from an Onboard Service Manager’s point of view.

As per the “OBSM cabin crew tips showcase care and class” the tip from the OBSM was:

“Prior to boarding, please consider enhancing the PY and Y cabin appearance by:  Ensuring all pillows/blankets are placed neatly at the centre of the seats
Checking that all armrests are down and not in the upright position, or a mix of both”

Our members are not cabin groomers, maintenance personal or catering employees. There are other unionized employees who are responsible for this work and if they need to have additional staff to perform the work, the company should review this on their end.  We are onboard the aircraft for many reasons, such as safety, security, pre-boarding, UM’s, safety briefings, pre-flight checks and OTP, finalizing the grooming of the aircraft is not one of them.

It is unfortunate that the Company continues to try to increase what we are responsible for knowing full well that we are already responsible for all cabin safety duties.

We will continue to press on and ensure that our members receive the respect that they have earned and are due, we are professionals and as such deserve the same respect as our Air Canada colleagues.

Your Union is your voice, please continue to write in and share your stories and concerns, they are heard, shared and actioned.

In solidarity,

CUPE Fall School

The Air Canada Component Education Committee would like to invite you to attend this year’s CUPE Fall School, which will run from October 22 to 27, 2019. The courses will be held at the Sheraton Centre Hotel, which is located at 123 Queen St. Way.

Class sizes are limited, and registration is on a first come, first served basis so register early to avoid disappointment. Please note the dates of the courses and bid accordingly.

The deadline to register will be October 09, 2018.

For a list of the courses available, please click HERE.

For a list of the course descriptions, please click HERE.

A lunch per diem will be paid to all of our members who volunteer their time to attend and complete the training course.

To register, or if you have any further questions, please email me at education@accomponent.ca.

** Please note that no registrations will be accepted after October 9, 2019 **

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR CUPE ONTARIO SCHOOL:

• All classes end on Sunday, October 27th at 12:30 pm. However, start dates and times differ depending on the course chosen.

• Registration is on Saturday, October 26th from 7:30 to 9:00 am in the Civic Ballroom Foyer, except for all WSIB, Health & Safety, LET and Financial Officer courses (see start times).

• Class sizes are limited, and registration is on a first come, first served basis.

• Attendees can only register for one course.

• Classes are only offered in English unless otherwise stated.

In Solidarity,

Victoria Primavera
Air Canada Component Education Committee Chair