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

National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

On this National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, let’s take a moment to reflect on the significance of the day and the collective responsibility we share in addressing gender-based violence.

December 6th is a day of solemn remembrance, marking the anniversary of the École Polytechnique massacre in 1989, where 14 young women lost their lives simply because of their gender. It serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by women and girls, as well as the need for sustained efforts to create a society free from violence and discrimination.

This year, let us honor the memory of the lives lost and raise awareness about the widespread issue of gender-based violence. In doing so, we not only pay tribute to those affected but also commit ourselves to fostering a culture of respect, equality, and empowerment.

Let us stand united against gender-based violence, working together to build a future where everyone can live free from fear and discrimination.

In solidarity,

Base Transfers at Rouge

Your union has heard from members at Air Canada Rouge expressing concerns about being denied base transfers during their probationary period. The union sees this as a seniority violation as the company is continuously hiring to both bases at Air Canada Rouge, so we have filed a Policy Grievance, click HERE to view.

Our Air Canada Rouge members do not have language like we do at Air Canada Mainline that clearly defines the policy on base transfers. We have maintained Seniority must remain the guiding principle. The Company should not be hiring off the street to fill roles in a base where we have a list of members wanting to go to, and have already moved away from home to start their career at Rouge.

The Company is clearly struggling to maintain Bilingual candidates at their YTO – Toronto base, and the Union has been clear that the entry level wage at Air Canada Rouge is a large part of the problem, and one we are continually willing to meet to discuss.

Please reach out to your local if you have requested a base transfer and been denied.

In Solidarity,

Wesley Lesosky
President, Air Canada Component of CUPE

Updated Contract Guides

Following our Contract Seminars, we wanted to share with you the documents that were utilized in our presentations.

Below you will find links for the PowerPoint presentations for both the Mainline and Rouge seminars.

Mainline PowerPoint Presentation – English
Mainline PowerPoint Presentation – French
Rouge PowerPoint Presentation – English
Rouge PowerPoint Presentation – French

We have also included links for the updated Contract Guides, which can also be found in the Resources section of the Component website and the App.

2023 Mainline Contract Guide – English
2023 Mainline Contract Guide – French
2023 Rouge Contract Guide – English
2023 Rouge Contract Guide – French

In solidarity,

Your ACCEX

Baggage Tracking App

In a November 30th Inflight Service bulletin, we have been advised of the Baggage Tracking app that has been created. This bulletin reminds us that we should “familiarize yourself with the new baggage tracking feature in the Air Canada app, as you can expect customers to ask you questions in the airport or midflight, and we’d like you to play a role in familiarizing customers with the tool”.

We would like to remind all members that the responsibility for baggage and issues relating to baggage falls under the scope work of baggage handlers and passenger service agents who are our colleagues in other unions. This latest initiative seems to be an attempt to download more responsibility for baggage control to passengers and our members.

This directive to familiarize ourselves with the baggage app is not well received. Especially at a time when our wages and compensation are out of line with cost-of-living increases.  This request coupled with the fact that we have been very vocal about our unpaid work seems completely out of touch with our realities onboard.

We would like to encourage all members to redirect all baggage inquiries and/or questions about baggage through the proper and traditional channels.  As we have said and will continue to reiterate “Unpaid Work Won’t Fly”.

In order to show our solidarity over this attempted increase in work we encourage members to wear their union pins proudly.  Wearing your union pin is not just a symbol; it’s a powerful statement of solidarity and pride. Each time you don that pin, you proudly display your commitment to the collective strength of our union and the values we stand for.

When you wear your union pin with pride, you send a clear message to your colleagues, employer, and the public: you are part of a movement that values equality, fairness, and the well-being of every worker. It sparks conversations, builds camaraderie, and fosters a sense of belonging among us.

So, let’s wear our union pins not just as accessories, but as a visible commitment to a better, more equitable future for all.

In solidarity,

The Weekly Dispatch – Discipline and Discharge

Last week we provided information on the Collective Agreement article for Mainline that spoke to being held out of service (click HERE to view). The language relating to this process is found in Article 14 of the Collective Agreement for Mainline members. Keep in mind that being held out of service does not necessarily indicate that a member has done anything wrong. It is simply a way for the employer to protect its operation when it suspects that an individual’s presence in the workplace COULD be contrary to the employer’s interest. It is merely a tool used during the investigation process. It is also important to understand that being held out of service does not mean a member has been “suspended”. This is simply a mechanism to ensure pay protection for any missed flights in cases where the employer decides that they must meet with a member before they perform further flight assignments. Our advice remains that when you have been advised that you are being held out of service to contact your local office.

Air Canada Rouge has similar language which is found at L55.20.02.

L55.20 DISCIPLINE AND DISCHARGE  

L55.20.01 No Employee shall be disciplined or discharged except for just cause. 

L55.20.02 Where disciplinary or discharge action is contemplated, the Employee may be held out-of-service with pay for not more than seven (7) consecutive calendar days in order to conduct a thorough investigation. 

L55.20.03 During an interview between the Company and the Employee where disciplinary action is contemplated, or where a performance meeting is held, the Employee may request the presence of a Union representative. If practicable, the Company shall provide the Employee with reasonable prior notice of the interview in writing informing the Employee of the alleged misdemeanour(s) and of his or her right to have a Union representative present. The Company will also, if practicable, notify the Union’s Local Base President of the interview via e-mail.

 L55.20.03.01 Before the interview begins, the Company will ensure that the Employee is aware of the nature of the alleged misdemeanour(s). The Company will permit the Employee, should he or she so choose a reasonable period of time to speak to a Union representative before the interview begins. Once the interview begins, the Company will provide a copy of any documentation, which may be redacted to exclude personal information, for the Employee and Union’s immediate review. 

L55.20.04 Where disciplinary or discharge action is contemplated, the Employee shall be so informed prior to formal action being taken unless reasonable efforts to contact the Employee are unsuccessful.