In this update:
Remembering Susan Michaelis
Stress Assess Survey 2025: Increased use of digital tools will bring some challenges
New job titles help put our team on the map
Change is in the air
Leading through knowledge
Communication is key: Embracing tech

Remembering Susan Michaelis

Our members often don’t have the opportunity to meet the people who support them. Susan Michaelis, a lead researcher at the Global Cabin Air Quality Executive (GCAQE), of which CUPE’s Airline Division is a founding member, began her career as an Australian airline pilot at 32. Three years later in 1997, after working through numerous fume events, she collapsed following a flight. She never flew again.

Passionate about aviation and safety, Susan didn’t give up. She found meaning and renewed vigour in dedicating her life’s work to understanding fume events, their impact on airline crews, and advocating for better protections. She pushed for an Australian Senate investigation that provided some of the first acknowledgement of the impacts of fume events, obtained the first PhD in the subject, completed a Master’s focusing on engine seals, and qualified as a certified air accident investigator in the UK.

Although formally titled as Dr. Michaelis, most of us knew her as Susan. She was passionate, blunt, and relentless in the face of adversity. But most of all, she managed to unite people from across the world, the political spectrum, and various industries to find solutions to a problem that impacts us all.

On July 9, 2025, Susan passed away 14 years after her initial diagnosis with lobular breast cancer. True to her ways, she continued to field calls throughout her treatment on cabin air quality and to support her Lobular Moon-Shot Project, which aims to raise awareness and fund a 5-year project to explore this under-researched form of the disease.

Susan fought to make workplaces safer until her last breath – a dedication few of us can ever hope to match. A dear friend of many OHS workers, she will be deeply missed.

Stress Assess Survey 2025: Increased use of digital tools will bring some challenges

We must embrace change and use new technology to reach members like you. However, even well-established platforms like SurveyMonkey can pose challenges.

We’ll review error data in the coming months. It’s believed that the issues with Stress Assess 2025 were due to data speed/quality, outdated browser versions, device settings, and privacy options – a complicated mix…

Our team extends a big thank you to everyone who participated, even if they couldn’t finish the questionnaire. Feedback received and data will help us explore options for the 2026 edition, including other survey platforms.

New job titles help put our team on the map

One of our committee’s goals this year is to network with other safety stakeholders, both within and outside the Union structure, breaking free from the airline industry bubble, to share knowledge, and learn from others.

In doing so, people have pointed out that our job titles really don’t match our full-time roles, level of involvement, and knowledge of health and safety. Accordingly, the Air Canada Component executive has updated the Union OHS Committee position titles as follows:

• ACC OHS Committee Co-chairpersons  > National Coordinator, Senior OHS Specialist.
• ACC OHS Committee Members > OHS Specialist.

Your Union OHS team will continue to represent you at joint safety committees where they continue to hold Co-chairperson or Committee Member roles.

Change is in the air

After 10 years as Co-chairperson of the IFS Policy Health and Safety Committee, Jordan Bray-Stone has passed the torch to Nicola Schnell. Nicky is well-positioned to represent you, having many years of experience at both the local workplace committee and the Policy Committee.

Jordan continues in his Union role, focusing on key Union OHS projects, including critical incident and stress management, internal safety culture transformation, membership OHS engagement and stakeholder outreach, educational goals and team support.

Leading through knowledge

Laws, regulations, and best practices change, so as leaders, our team must stay informed. ACC OHS Specialists are encouraged to pursue courses that enhance their skills and knowledge to better represent you. In the past two years, our team has attended educational opportunities at Pacific Coast University for Workplace Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and the University of Maryland-Baltimore County, among others.

If you know of an educational opportunity related to physical or psychological safety that could be of interest/benefit to our team, please let us know!

Communication is key: Embracing tech

You may have noticed a change in the way we communicate. Following our annual review, we have implemented a new communication strategy which leverages tech:

• Both regular and animated social posts
• QR codes
• Member feedback using short MS forms.
• New fully interactive presentations using a cloud-based service.
• Increased usage of the Air Canada Component app.

In solidarity,

Your Air Canada Component of CUPE Health and Safety Committee