As mentioned in recent updates, your MEC attempted to file a stay that would have prevented WestJet from running its planned reduction bid due to the complications arising from the Captain Upgrade Grievance. Unfortunately, this request was denied by Arbitrator Kaplan who stated that he did not believe he had jurisdiction to grant any form of stay which might interfere with WestJet’s rights due to a grievance under the Sunwing collective agreement. He also stated that he did not believe a reduction bid would prevent pilots from being made whole if the grievance was upheld. While we are disappointed with the results, we are pleased that our decision to file for a stay has drawn the attention of senior WestJet leadership to this Captain Upgrade Arbitration issue.

In terms of the Unfair Labour Practice (ULP), the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) continues to slowly move forward with the process. In the interim, all parties have agreed to return to Arbitrator Gedalof with the issues of concern from the ULP as well as some outstanding issues from the seniority arbitration award, such as how Sunwing vacation is awarded at WestJet. Your MEC presented our position to Arbitrator Gedalof last week and he will now schedule a time with WestJet to hear their position. If you are a pilot who has reported to WestJet and has been assigned Sunwing vacation (VSW) in blocks of less than five days or have been assigned two-five day blocks back to back with one or two days of flying separating them, please email a copy of your schedule to compliance@sunwingpilots.com to help with the Grievance.

We are aware that the WestJet MEC is holding a vote on a motion to consider seniority bidding. This vote is on a motion brought by a member to poll the group to see what the appetite is for seniority bidding. This vote will not bring in seniority bidding. That would require large re-writes in the WestJet CA and would likely require a ratification vote. There was an appreciated attempt by some WestJet pilots to delay this vote until all of us from Sunwing are at WestJet. That attempt failed. In reality, that likely won’t matter since this is just a poll and this type of polling happens routinely and will certainly happen again during preparations for CA3. On that note, consider that seniority bidding works well at Sunwing because we had strong upward seniority movement. That isn’t the case at WestJet. We advise everyone to give the WestJet scheduling system a chance with due consideration of how long you will be at your current relative seniority.

Lastly, just a reminder that as things wind down, we are still soliciting pictures from your Sunwing times. Please use the following link to upload your documents. One day, when we are all overworked WestJet pilots will enjoy looking back at the Sunwing times.

In solidarity,

Your MEC