Unifor Local 531 is aware of the recent timekeeping issues our members are facing since the company issued an email resetting their timekeeping expectations on July 21, 2025. We are also aware of the inconsistent communication and direction members have been receiving from their leaders at the Base level.
The below information was sent to every member of Unifor Local 531 on August 25, 2025 via their personal email provided to the Company. If you did not receive the email, please reach out to the Unit Chair at your Base.
Every year, no later than September 1, the Company must post a copy of the seniority list on the Company's internal SharePoint for all members to view. This year, the list will be posted on August 25, 2025, and will remain open for review until September 30, 2025.
The union would like to update the membership on our ongoing advocacy for your safety regarding the Main Cabin Door tasking. Below you will find a breakdown of the facts, the union's concerns and position and our advocacy for safer work for our member over the last few weeks.
This message is to ensure you understand your legal rights and responsibilities during the potential strike by Air Canada Flight Attendants (CUPE) that could begin Saturday, August 16 at midnight. Please keep this email for reference and speak with your union leaders if you have any questions. As always, we are here to support you. If you have any questions, need support or are feeling unsafe, please reach out to your Unit Chair at your Base.
This evening, President Karen Berry sent a message of strength, support and solidary to the Air Canada Flight Attendants on behalf of the 1700 union members of Unifor Local 531. Our message was strong and loud - we are proud to stand alongside our sisters, brothers, and friends as they push forward in their fight for a fair and just contract.
On behalf Local 531, President Karen Berry, reached out to the WestJet Labour Relations team as well as VP-Airports, Dave Powell today to ask the company to establish and communicate a clear protocol for safe access to our member's work locations. The union is concerned about the safety and well-being of our members when picket lines are present due to the possibility of strike action by Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flight attendants.
Some of you may already be aware that the federal government is proposing an 80% cut to the budget of the Department for Women and Gender Equality (WAGE). These drastic reductions pose a serious threat to gender equity and the support systems many rely on across Canada.
The nomination period for the Unifor Local 531 Elections Committee has now closed. We’d like to thank those who stepped forward and expressed interest in supporting our union’s democratic process.
A message from Unifor National President, Lana Payne
“Black history is not just for Black people – Black history is Canadian history.”
On August 1, Emancipation Day, Unifor recognizes this powerful quote from Jean Augustine, the first Black woman to serve as a member of Parliament and the 2018 recipient of Unifor’s Nelson Mandela Award, that serves as an important reminder that historical change cannot take place without collective action, backed by solidarity, unity and mobilization.
Understanding your rights around overtime (OT) pay is important to ensuring you are fairly compensated for your time. Unifor Local 531 continues to advocate for clear and consistent application of overtime rules, as outlined in our Collective Bargaining Agreement. Here’s what every member should know:
Recently, the company issued a communication addressing concerns about timekeeping practices, with particular focus on employees clocking out early before the end of their scheduled shift, while still being paid for the entire shift. While the union recognizes the company's responsibility to ensure accurate payroll and operational consistency, we feel it's important to provide clarity, context, and our position on the matter. Earlier today, the local union shared the following response to their communication, specifically with Labour Relations and Dave Powell VP of Airports.
The union and members are now in receipt of the company's recent communication regarding the cyberattack that occurred on June 13, 2025. While we acknowledge the company has now provided an update, we want you to know that our local union has been actively monitoring this situation since day one to ensure your privacy, safety, and rights as employees are being taken seriously.
All members will receive an email from our Election Committee email address over the next two days. This email serves as official notice that the nomination period for the Local 531 Union Election Committee will soon open on July 25, 2025.
We are seeking one (1) member from each base (YYZ, YYC, and YVR) to serve on the Election Committee for a three-year term. This is a crucial role that supports and safeguards the democratic process within our local union.
We’re excited to share some great news from our members in YVR; the launch of the Unifor YVR Recreation Committee! This new initiative is dedicated to planning inclusive, engaging events that bring members together, build connection, and foster community outside of the workplace.
Unifor Local 531 has filed a Step 2 Policy Grievance in direct response to the Company’s recent announcement that, effective October 1, 2025, any time spent on layoff or approved leave—including maternity/parental leave, sick leave, or other legislative leaves—will no longer count toward retirement eligibility.
This change is buried in a broader announcement about employee travel benefit enhancements, yet the impact of this policy shift is severe and deeply concerning.
On July 15, 2025, Local 531 YVR Unit Chair announced she would be taking a medical leave from her position. On behalf of the Local Union Executive Board and our members, we will dearly miss Breanne during this time but know she will come back stronger than ever. We wish her a speedy recovery!
Dear YVR Local 531 Members,
I was hopeful that I wouldn’t have to write this message—but the time has come for me to step back and take a medical leave.
To understand where we are today with Pay Equity, we need to understand where we have come from. In 1977 the Canadian Human Rights Act was introduced and Section 11 prohibited pay discrimination based on sex, for work of equal value. Its hard to believe that this was almost 50 years ago and yet we still don't see equal pay for equal work. It wasn't until 2018 when the Pay Equity Act was passed which is aimed at federally regulated employers (WestJet) to introduce a pay equity regime, requiring employers to evaluate and correct pay disparities.
We’re excited to share an important Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) initiative—the newly launched Buy Union directory, featuring a wide range of Canadian union-made products and services. Click on this link to read more!
Why Buy Canadian Union-Made?
When you purchase items with the union label—be it clothing, food, automotive services, or hotel stays—you’re not just supporting Canadian producers, you’re investing in:
On behalf of Unifor Local 531, we’re proud to share news of a monumental victory for working people across the country including the 1700 members we represent. Canada has officially passed federal anti-scab legislation, marking a major step forward in the fight for fairer, stronger, and more respectful collective bargaining.
Unifor Local 531 has a has a few exciting opportunities for our union members from Above the Wing (all members except for Ramp Service Agents, Ramp Service Leads and Ramp Service Coordinators).
