On May 15th, the Company posted on Viva Engage that 52 aircraft will be “transitioning to Rouge,” including “temporary” flying (e.g., YHZ–LHR). Our Collective Agreement is clear: Air Canada Rouge “may operate a maximum of 50 aircraft.” That cap cannot be exceeded without the Union’s consent.
Our Collective Agreement language states the following in relation to scope. This is not a comprehensive list but helps to give some context to you.
- Article 2.04.05: “Air Canada Rouge may operate a maximum of 50 aircraft…”
- Article 2.04.07: “Air Canada must get the Union’s consent to increase the total number of aircraft operated at Air Canada Rouge beyond fifty (50) during the term of the Collective Agreement. Consent will not be unreasonably withheld provided that Air Canada Mainline Cabin Personnel are not negatively affected.”
- Article 2.02 (Scope): All flights carrying the Air Canada or Air Canada Rouge IATA codes and operated by pilots on the Air Canada pilot seniority list are to be occupied and operated by Air Canada or Air Canada Rouge Cabin Personnel, as applicable, under this Agreement. Limited exclusions exist (e.g., flights with no regulatory requirement for Cabin Personnel, charity flights, wet leases/codeshares/connector or alliance airlines), but none of these exclusions authorize Rouge to exceed the 50‑aircraft cap.
The Company has not sought, and the Union has not granted, consent to exceed 50 Rouge aircraft post‑bargaining. No scope changes were agreed in bargaining to permit exceeding the cap. “Temporary” deployment at Rouge is not an exception to Article 2.04.05 or 2.04.07.
Our priorities are to protect Mainline scope and opportunities and ensure Rouge growth does not come at the expense of Mainline members. Safeguard mobility and opportunities for Rouge members, including movement to Mainline, consistent with the Collective Agreement.
We have filed two policy grievances, CHQ‑26‑51 and CHQ-26-52, alleging violation of Articles 2, 2.04.01, 2.04.05, and related provisions, based on the Company’s public statement that 52 aircraft will transition to Rouge. We are demanding immediate compliance, full make‑whole remedies for any adverse impacts, damages to the Union, and disclosure of all documents the Company is relying upon.
We would like to ask that all members be mindful of this and if you see scheduling or staffing changes tied to “temporary” Rouge flying, document them and send the details to your Local with screenshots or flight identifiers. Report any communication suggesting or implementing Rouge operations beyond 50 aircraft.
We will update you as this grievance proceeds through the process. The cap is 50. Consent is required to go above it. Neither has changed.
Govern yourselves accordingly,
Wesley Lesosky
President, Air Canada Component of CUPE