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

Federal Government – Launch of Pre-Budget Consultation 2021 Survey

Finance Canada launched the pre-budget consultations. This process invites all Canadians to share their ideas and what matters most to them, to inform and guide Canada’s growth plan and feed into the measures and investments that will make up Budget 2021.  When COVID-19 is under control, the government has a plan to make smart, targeted investments that jumpstart the country’s economic recovery and begin to repair the damage done by the pandemic.

The government wants to hear the very best ideas on how to continue to support Canadians affected by the pandemic, create new jobs and build a greener, more competitive, more innovative, more inclusive, more resilient Canada.

The pre-budget consultation and questionnaire are available at the following link and will be open until February 19, 2021.
https://letstalkbudget2021.ca/pre_budget_consultations

There are questions specifically referencing supporting hardest hit sectors such as travel and tourism.  I would encourage you to fill this out and to send it to your friends and family.

In Solidarity,

Wesley Lesosky
President, Air Canada Component of CUPE

Seniority List Update – February 10, 2021

Based on member feedback we have resumed our weekly “Recall Update” but have unfortunately had to rename them “Seniority List Update” given the current situation. We will ensure to provide updates at least monthly and more frequently when recalls resume.

Updated Seniority List
Your Union has updated the seniority list with the most recent layoffs and retirements using information provided by Air Canada. As we cannot publish this privately, we have removed names and employee numbers. The list is still based on your 2020 Master Cabin Personnel Seniority number.

*** Please note there may be errors or omissions, if you are aware of any please contact your union. You will also note that those members on leaves but senior enough to avoid layoff will be coded as Active ***

Click HERE for an Updated Seniority List as of the February 2021 Block Month.

Retirements 
In addition, please see below the current retirement numbers which now include those for January and February 2021, you can also view full details over the past three years by clicking HERE.

 

Mitigations
This is just a reminder that the deadline to apply for SPLOA or RBP Mitigation is February 12, 2021 at 0800 EST. Further Details can be found by clicking HERE. The deadline to apply for Retirement or Resignation effective March 1, 2021 is February 14, 2021 at 1500 EST. Further Details can be found by clicking HERE.

In solidarity,

REMINDER – COVID-19 – Airline Employment Membership Survey

Just a reminder, if you have not already done so, to complete our short survey regarding COVID-19 impacts and employment. You can access the survey here:
https://survey-sondage.cupe.ca/index.php/274114?lang=en

This survey is anonymous, and answers will not identify individuals in any way.

As you are all aware, tens of thousands of flight attendants around the world have been laid off or furloughed.  Some members are currently in the CEWS programs, others are collecting EI benefits. Recall periods for CUPE’s various airline locals range from 2-5 years.  With lengthy recall periods and the lack of information from the government on what supports may be available to workers who may be affected by COVID-19 for periods that stretch past eligible EI periods, CUPE is interested in hearing from you.

CUPE has heard from its airline membership that members are currently exploring temporary options for employment.  CUPE can assist with finding other temporary employment options of interest by working with the government and employers as we are already working on other projects such as: Just Transition, Improving Long Term Care, increasing childcare access, and improving education resources.

Have your voice heard – complete the survey!

Staff Surplus – March 2021

It is with heavy hearts that we must advise you that the Company let us know earlier this morning of a further staffing surplus. This is a due to the federal government’s introduction of a mandatory quarantine on arrival as well at the continued suspension of flights to Mexico and the Caribbean.  The approximate surplus is 900 mainline members, which includes both active and inactive members. This is in addition to the 80 Rouge members who were advised of a layoff last week.  The staff reductions will take effect with the start of the March 2021 block month.

The Company will be offering the Mitigation Options as outlined in LOU 60 of the Collective Agreement, which are:

  • 2-month Special Leaves of Absence (March 2021 to April 2021 inclusive)
  • 2-month Reduced Block Program (March 2021 to April 2021 inclusive)

The deadline to apply for these two options is February 12, 2021 at 0800 EST. Further Details can be found by clicking HERE.

In addition, the current “Universal Mitigation” package is available to all employees wishing to retire or resign. The deadline to apply for this program is February 14, 2021 at 1500 EST. Further Details can be found by clicking HERE.

All members are eligible to bid on the Mitigation Programs; however Special Leaves of Absences and Reduced Block Programs will be awarded by seniority to those who would otherwise not be placed on Layoff Status.  Meaning, you cannot hold an SPLOA or RBP program if you are not able to hold flying for March 2021. 

In addition, if you are currently on a SPLOA or RBP and the layoff reaches your seniority, you will be removed from your SPLOA or RBP and placed on layoff status.

Once the mitigation programs are complete, award results and any resulting layoff notices will be sent to your Air Canada email by February 15, 2021 at 23:00 EST. The resulting layoffs will take place in reverse seniority order, system wide with no requirement to bump bases.

We understand this news is disheartening and incredibly difficult to bear as we watch our industry crumble around us. These further layoffs could result in a staggering 7,800 of our members being on layoff status.

We remind members that EAP remains available to all members at this time and that your Local and Component Officers are here to assist you.

In solidarity,

MAYDAY Campaign Update

After just four days, 3,677 people have already signed up to support our campaign calling for federal support for airline workers.

Let’s keep the momentum going!

Have you signed up to support our campaign yet? If not, don’t wait. Sign up now!

If you have, why not encourage a friend or colleague to add their name.

Workers in this industry desperately need support from our government.

Send your message today to help grow our voice and make sure Justin Trudeau hears us loud and clear!

 

In solidarity,

Your Airline Division Council of Presidents