As stated in our last bulletin issued on June 13, 2022, the Union filed policy grievances at both Mainline (CHQ-22-48) and Rouge (CHQ-rouge-22-16) regarding cost of living increases. Click HERE to view the bulletin.
For the past 25 years, inflation has been close to 2 percent per year. Wage increases in the 10-year agreement are set at 2% annually. The steady and low rate of inflation changed suddenly in 2021: inflation increased rapidly beyond 2 percent beginning in early 2021. In 2022, the rate of inflation reached a near 40 year high, with inflation above 8%. Like many Canadians, Cabin Personnel have been distressed. Lower-income workers, including more junior Cabin Personnel, are particularly impacted by price hikes caused by inflation because they spend a larger proportion of their income on essential high increase items like food and gas.
Our mainline grievance was denied at level 2 and has now been scheduled for mediation on November 17, 2022 with our Chief Arbitrator/Mediator William Kaplan.
Our Rouge grievance was denied at level 2 and at the Quarterly grievance review and has now been appealed to arbitration.
We will continue to provide updates as we move through the grievance process.
In Solidarity,
Wesley Lesosky
President, Air Canada Component of CUPE