June 20, 2023
WestJet Skilled Trade Groups:
In the coming weeks, the AMFA-WestJet (WJA) will have their first opportunity to exercise their right to vote as AMFA members. Later this week, members in good standing will receive voting instructions to participate in an election to fill the position of Member-at-Large Negotiator. As Ian Evershed is running unopposed for the position of Airline Representative, this race will not be on the ballot. Congratulations to Ian for being elected as the first AMFA ALR representing the WJA membership.
AMFA-WJA members in good standing will also soon participate in the group’s first membership survey to gain valuable insight and wishes from the membership related to contract negotiations. Thank you to those who recently submitted contract proposals. These proposals will be consolidated and analyzed by the Negotiating Committee, and the survey will provide further feedback to identify the group’s collective bargaining goals as we work to achieve your first Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). We will be requesting to meet formally with WestJet Management for discussions related to negotiations in August-September.
To be eligible to participate in both the election and the survey you must be an AMFA member in good standing. Please reference the Digital New Member Package (PDF), which contains instructions on how to become member in good standing and monthly online dues payments.
As we near collective bargaining, your AMFA- WJA Transition Committee is in place and is led by the AMFA-WJA ALR, Ian Evershed, who is the main point of contact for your group; oversees the enforcement of your status quo work rules, pay, and benefits; and is a voting member of your Negotiating Committee. Ian can be reached at (905) 691-4863. Additionally, there are Interim Area Representatives who assist the ALR and facilitate communications on the floor. We would like to thank these individuals for stepping up during this transition period.
If you have not done so already, please register with the AMFA National Website (click Login on the homepage and then select Register an Account), and download the AMFA app to ensure that you receive the most up-to-date news from the Association.
I ask you to continue to be vigilant and engaged with your union representatives. In doing so, monitor the WestJet Page of the AMFA National website for airline-specific details. Tools remain in place for our members to acquire Association and industry-related updates via the AMFA National Website, AMFA App, social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, and the AMFA Insider Podcast. Additionally, AMFA leaders have been visiting your stations to assist in the transition process and answer your questions about your rights and obligations as AMFA-represented employees. Stay engaged, remain informed, and continue to support the Negotiating Committee as that support increases the Committee’s ability to bargain a CBA your hard work deserves.
Sincerely,
Bret Oestreich
National President
