The Union would like to provide an update on the federally regulated COVID-19 Leaves that are currently available to all workers under the Canada Labour Code.

Effective June 19, 2021, employees can now take the leave related to COVID-19 under Part III (Labour Standards) of the Code for up to 42 weeks in total, when the employee is unable to work due to needing to provide care:

1) to a child who is under 12 years of age, or

2) to a family member who requires supervised care due to specified circumstances related to COVID-19 (for example, if the person’s school or care facility is closed due to COVID-19).

These are temporary measures to help Canadians overcome the many challenges they face because of the COVID-19 pandemic. These measures will be repealed no later than November 20, 2021. However, we have received confirmation from the government that an employee who starts a leave related to COVID-19 prior to its repeal date may finish the leave even if the return falls on a later date. That said, an employee must not start a leave related to COVID-19 after it has been repealed, even if the employee had not taken the full 42 weeks of leave.

There have been no changes to the leave related to COVID-19 for up to 4 weeks. This leave is intended for employees who are unable to work for personal health reasons related to COVID-19. You can take this leave as many times as necessary. However, as with the leave related to COVID-19 for up to 42 weeks, the leave must begin before the legislation is repealed.

We are aware that the current policy available on the portal has not been updated to reflect these changes, but we have been advised that an update will be issued shortly.  Please be sure to include the reason for your request in the submission and any supporting documentation can be sent to Melissa Diaz. If you require a date change, please amend your request via the eHR kiosk. As a reminder, the Code allows that an employer may require a written declaration in support of the reasons for the leave and any change in the length of the leave. However, you are not required to obtain and provide a certificate from a health care practitioner.

As we continue to see changes to the various government programs, we would encourage you to refer to the Employment and Social Development Canada website for a complete and up to date outline of the available programs, including eligibility criteria, as well as terms and conditions. Here is the direct link to the section on the types of leaves you can receive as an employee working in federally regulated industries and workplaces:

https://www.canada.ca/en/services/jobs/workplace/federal-labour-standards/leaves.html#h2.12

We would recommend that you carefully review the terms and conditions of the various leaves, including the eligibility criteria, prior to submitting your request. Should your leave request be denied for any reason please follow up with your Local with a copy of your submission and the response.

We appreciate that these are challenging times for many of you, ranging from childcare issues to caring for family members that don’t have access to care due to COVID. Please continue to raise any concerns with your Local as required so we can ensure these issues are brought forward in a timely and effective manner.

In solidarity,

Please see the staffing updates below:

Air Canada Mainline Recalls
The last batch of 487 recalls went out on July 4, 2021. As these recalls were all to the point of layoff, members must accept their recall by Sunday, July 11, 2021 at 23:59 EDT.

Updated Seniority List
Your Union has updated the seniority list with the most recent recalls and retirements using information provided by Air Canada. Please remember that your seniority number will not change, only your ranking is updated on the list as members resign and retire.

*** 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 July 2021 Block Month.

Retirements 
In addition, please see the current retirement numbers below, including the ERIP retirements.  You can also view full details over the past three years by clicking HERE.

In solidarity,

The Union is happy to announce that the Company has just advised us that there will be an additional 487 recall notices going out shortly for Cabin Crew positions at Air Canada Mainline. Those recalled to Air Canada Mainline will be recalled back to their home base.

The recalls to Mainline will take effect on July 4, 2021 and you must accept your recall within 7 days by July 11, 2021, with a return to work date of July 18, 2021. The most junior member being recalled has a 2021 seniority of 20470.

All members being recalled will be notified via registered letter.  Please note that due to COVID-19, there may be some delays in these letters reaching you. To compensate for this the Company will also be advising all those recalled via Company email and a courtesy phone call.  Please check your recall notice for more details. To ensure delivery of your recall response we suggest using your Air Canada email account.

As a reminder the Collective Agreement says the following about recalls:

17.16.02  An employee on laid-off status shall be notified by the applicable company, of the first available assignment either at Air Canada Mainline or at Air Canada Rouge to which his/her seniority entitles him. Failure to advise the applicable company within seven (7) calendar days of the registered postmark date of his/her desire to be considered for the assignment shall disqualify him for the assignment.

Recall notice shall be sent by registered mail to the last address filed with the company.

The Company will reach out to you via registered letter to the last address you have listed with the employer.  You have 7 calendar days to reply to the employer if you intend on accepting your recall, from the date the letter was post marked.  We have been advised that the letters will go out today, July 4, 2021.

Do I have to accept a position back to my home base?  Can I decline the recall coming back to where I was laid off from?
As per Article 17.16.04 the following is applicable:

17.16.04  If the employee is notified of a permanent assignment at the point of layoff, s/he must accept, and report for duty within fourteen (14) calendar days from the date notice was sent. An acceptance of permanent assignment at other than the point of layoff shall be optional for the individual concerned; however, should s/he accept, s/he shall report for duty within twenty-one (21) calendar days from the date of registered postmark. This time limit may be extended by Air Canada or Air Canada Rouge, as applicable, under extenuating circumstances.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to us for clarity on the process or any concerns that you may have.

In solidarity,