It's Almost February
Hello Everyone
I hope that you were able to spend some quality time with your loved ones over the holidays .
Happy Lunar New Year!
First allow me to wish you and your loved ones a luminous and prosperous new year.
Lobby
The collective agreement states :
6.12.06.02 The company shall make every reasonable effort to equitably distribute the assignment of the lobby task/duties amongst the employees assigned to work that function.
I received reports that in actuality the Company was not adhering to the provision of that article .
After further conversation with the local management, it was agreed that compliance to the collective agreement had to prevail. As such agents can advise their leads and or CEM their desire to rotate . It would be the Lead’s or CEM’s responsibility to ensure that rotation ensues. This process will adequately service agents who want to be moved and those who preferred staying in the same lobby function for the entirety of the shift .
February
February is a month of great significance .
For those of you familiar with this newsletter we highlight the Women’s Memorial March in Vancouver on the 14th and the contributions of individuals of African descent as it is Black History Month.
Below is a link to our podcast on black history month recorded last year:
https://substack.com/@sopgomez/p-142056598
It is our hope that many will take the time to show support this year at the March .
Second to the right our Women’s Advocate and Vice Chair Sue Sitter.
Packages or share trust
The share trusts were set for the year 2024 and as you can see in 2025 the funds have not been released yet . I truly understand the frustration as some are looking forward to this opportunity to retire. I am afraid that I still don’t have any definitive answer or timelines .
All the union representatives had to sign an NDA ( Non-disclosure agreement ).Any announcement has to be made by all the unions in unison .I can promise you however that once any information is made available, it will be circulated promptly.
Put yourself first
We have joined this career to offer the best possible customer service ( Or maybe because of the travel passes…..).Ultimately, it is important to remember to put yourself first. If you are operating a cart and are doing your best to get a customer to their connecting flight in a timely manner please be cognizant of the potential impact it could have on you . You cannot be disciplined for following SOP ( driving at a walking pace ). Though I understand the need ensure that our customers make their flight ,first ensure the integrity of your driving record and potentially of your employment. I cannot stress enough the importance of exercising extreme caution when operating carts.
Weather
Winter is upon and we can expect some challenges ahead of us. Safety first . Please do not operate your vehicle in hazardous conditions. Please ensure that you document the reasons of your inability to come to work or your potential tardiness. Weather reports, picture and or footages of snowbanks, driveways or roads are all important to collect. As I was successful in removing discipline on a ‘ weather day ‘, the company insisted that even on those days the expectation was for the employees to attempt coming into work.
Probation
This is for our new members. First a very warm welcome! I hope to meet you all in person when I visit the airport. It is important to acknowledge the language of the collective agreement. Article 9 applies to the first 182 days of your employment.
The Company reserves the sole right to make decisions regarding the termination…at any time during the probationary period
I still want to reassure you that despite this provision we have been successful in reinstating some probationary employees in Vancouver.
I leave you and the more senior members with this key word PUNCTUALITY. Always be on time.
Thank you for your readership.
In Solidarity and Iron Focus
S.G