Earlier this week the Union was made aware, through the Montreal Local that there was a turn scheduled to PVR and back. This turn was projected to be over 13:00 in duty, and a violation to the duty period limitations within the Collective Agreement.
Some members advised that when they were drafted for this schedule, or when they were called out on reserve for this schedule, they were advised the Union agreed to the scheduling of this pairing. This is nothing further from the truth, the Union did not agree to these pairings. When members reached out is when the Union became aware. And we immediately advised we had issues with the fact they were illegal, may violate members days off, may violate the assignment process, may interfere with access to booking crew rest and was not discussed as required prior to implementing.
This is not new, we have dealt with issues like this over COVID where safety was the key element, and members well being was paramount.
This is more than a contractual violation from the Unions standpoint; this is a direct attack on your working conditions.
The Union strongly advises all members to reach out to the Union prior to accepting ANY illegal pairings. You are never required to accept an illegal assignment, and you cannot be disciplined for this. Duty days, crew rest and premiums are negotiated, if the employer wants to have an illegal pairing negotiated as a one off or a LET, they have that ability, and are aware that they can contact the Union to come to an agreement, where by those that are willing to operate it may, and those that choose they do not want to, may opt out.
We have filed a policy grievance on this, click HERE to review a copy.