days until our Collective Agreement expires, we are preparing, we are united and we will make change.

Staff Surplus – March 2021

It is with heavy hearts that we must advise you that the Company let us know earlier this morning of a further staffing surplus. This is a due to the federal government’s introduction of a mandatory quarantine on arrival as well at the continued suspension of flights to Mexico and the Caribbean.  The approximate surplus is 900 mainline members, which includes both active and inactive members. This is in addition to the 80 Rouge members who were advised of a layoff last week.  The staff reductions will take effect with the start of the March 2021 block month.

The Company will be offering the Mitigation Options as outlined in LOU 60 of the Collective Agreement, which are:

  • 2-month Special Leaves of Absence (March 2021 to April 2021 inclusive)
  • 2-month Reduced Block Program (March 2021 to April 2021 inclusive)

The deadline to apply for these two options is February 12, 2021 at 0800 EST. Further Details can be found by clicking HERE.

In addition, the current “Universal Mitigation” package is available to all employees wishing to retire or resign. The deadline to apply for this program is February 14, 2021 at 1500 EST. Further Details can be found by clicking HERE.

All members are eligible to bid on the Mitigation Programs; however Special Leaves of Absences and Reduced Block Programs will be awarded by seniority to those who would otherwise not be placed on Layoff Status.  Meaning, you cannot hold an SPLOA or RBP program if you are not able to hold flying for March 2021. 

In addition, if you are currently on a SPLOA or RBP and the layoff reaches your seniority, you will be removed from your SPLOA or RBP and placed on layoff status.

Once the mitigation programs are complete, award results and any resulting layoff notices will be sent to your Air Canada email by February 15, 2021 at 23:00 EST. The resulting layoffs will take place in reverse seniority order, system wide with no requirement to bump bases.

We understand this news is disheartening and incredibly difficult to bear as we watch our industry crumble around us. These further layoffs could result in a staggering 7,800 of our members being on layoff status.

We remind members that EAP remains available to all members at this time and that your Local and Component Officers are here to assist you.

In solidarity,