Sick Leave Policy Grievances Update – Will be forwarded to Arbitration

We wanted to update you on the status of the 3 policy grievances filed challenging the recent sick leave policy changes made by Air Canada.

For more details, please click on the following links to see our previous bulletins:
– June 7, 2023 bulletin
– June 12, 2023 bulletin

Yesterday, on October 18, 2023, the 3 policy grievances were presented at mediation however we were unable to reach any resolution. As a result, the Union will now be forwarding all 3 grievances to arbitration. We will keep you updated on the date once it is confirmed.

In the meantime, we wish to remind you of the following when you are sick and must book off:

1. Please ensure to book off more than 4 hours prior to departure.
2. If Air Canada requests a note from a medical practitioner, you have the option of utilizing the Maple app for a virtual appointment as you see fit.
3. When booking back on, please make sure to do so when you are fit to return to work.
4. Please note that as per company policy a Continuous Absence is an absence in which an employee books off – books on, followed by another book off without a scheduled duty in between. If you want to make sure that the absence is not treated as continuous, you will need to advise them that the 2 book offs were for different or separate illnesses. It may be your preference to ensure that your absences are properly represented. If your book off was for the same illness there is no need to advise them.

As always, if you are unsure of your rights, please contact your local union office for assistance

In Solidarity,

Wesley Lesosky
President, Air Canada Component of CUPE