The Company advised us this morning of a staffing surplus due to a significantly reduced flying schedule related to a reduction in customer demand. The approximate surplus is 730 active mainline members and 100 active Rouge members. The staff reductions will take effect with the start of the February 2021 block month.
The Union is now working with the Company to launch a mitigation program at both Mainline and Rouge, similar to what was offered in the Spring. We have proposed that all members be placed on CEWS as the anticipated layoff is to be less than six (6) months. We have also requested that a reduced block program be launched at Rouge. More details on mitigation will be released once agreed upon.
The resulting layoffs will take place in reverse seniority order at each Company. As the anticipated duration of the layoff is less than six (6) months, there will be no bumping between Companies as Article 17.11.01 will apply.
Employees already awarded a SLOA/RBP for the month of February will be contacted individually and advised that this program is now cancelled. They will be redirected towards the mitigation program instead once launched.
We understand this news is disheartening and not what anyone wanted to hear; however, our industry is facing yet another unpreceded drop in customer demand and we will continue to do our best to support our members through this difficult time.
In solidarity,
