Burgeoning Spring
Hello Everyone,
This newsletter is looking to the future! It is my hope that it will help clear up some concerns and uncertainties.
At the beginning of this year, Vancouver opened its Contact Centre. The first class started in February and another one followed in April .
Please join me in sending the warmest of welcomes to our new colleagues!
Elections
First, I would like to thank Athena Martins and Margarita Cordero for their dedication as Vice Chairs at the airport. It gives us comfort to know that you are only one train stop away.
After their transfer to contact centres, elections were called. Four candidates stepped forward: Carol Leung, Rebekah Lin, Sophie Arnold and Karen law. It gives me great pleasure to see this much interest and enthusiasm in the union. You are all winners in my eyes.
The two candidates elected were: Karen Low and Sophie Arnold.
I have fond memories of working with Karen. I was the gate lead, she was at the customer service desk, and we always miraculously managed the nonstop over sales during the summer. She has previously held a union position as a Health and Safety rep. I am thrilled to see her back and can’t wait to see what the future holds for her.
Speaking of future, it is hard to think of YVR’s Future without thinking of the determined, hard working and charismatic Sophie Arnold. Sophie is eager to learn and contribute and I know this is just the beginning for her.
Scope
Article 4 on scope work is arguably the most important article of our collective agreement.
I would like to share a very interesting article on AI (Artificial Intelligence) and its impact on the aviation industry:
This paragraph is inspired by a conversation I had with the western bargaining Rep Marilyne Boettger. We are not dreading that AI will make us obsolete. What we are emphasizing is the importance of incorporating AI language in our collective agreement to ensure the viability of our livelihoods as airline employees. The Technology to scan a face, gather all the information a passport contains and the details of a reservation already exists. One can check in, board, upgrade without ever having to speak to any of us via social media, telephone or in person.
Our bargaining unit is made up of thousands of bright and creative members. I encourage you to approach your union leaders and to give us ideas and tips on how to make ourselves relevant in the age of AI and social media.
CRA (Canada Revenue Agency)
If you owe the government and they have advised you that your wages will be garnished ,be cognizant of the following:
There could be significant gaps between the correspondence you receive from CRA and the time your wages are garnished.
The company will comply with the demands of the government. Despite our request for a warning, the company has not agreed to give our members notice. We recommend contacting CRA and making payment arrangements before the employer is involved.
Manulife
It would be prudent to look at your beneficiaries ‘list if your circumstances have changed.
Some of our members still had previous partners / spouses listed as beneficiaries……Please take a moment to ensure the appropriate individuals are listed as your beneficiaries.
Lump Sum
Despite having a clear understanding that only one day of work between March 1st to December 31st, 2025, was the requirement for eligible members to receive the lump sum; the company has elected to implement a 30-day requirement. On April 08th the bargaining Committee filed a policy grievance demanding that the company honor its prior engagement to the union: one day of work! The membership will be informed of the outcome of the grievance.
Share trust
The council of union has published a bulletin on April 16th, 2025, with an update. Below is the link to the publication.
Future
During my visits at the airport in the past few days Many have raised their concerns over future staffing levels. It is impossible to predict what the future holds. What I can confirm as chair of the Air Canada Bargaining Committee is that the Company has not approached me. As we stand the company has not communicated any intention of reducing staffing levels.
I would like to conclude by wishing you the most blessed of Easters.
Thank you for your time and readership.
In Solidarity and Iron Focus.
SOPPO.
S.G