The nomination period for our upcoming Local 531 elections has officially closed, and we’re excited to introduce the members who have accepted their nominations and are running for the YYC Trustee positions within our union. Each candidate brings a unique combination of experience, passion, and commitment to representing our membership and strengthening our collective voice.
Since our last update on the monitoring and assessing the Main Cabin Door concerns, we wanted to provide you with further information on the steps the union has taken to stay actively engaged on the MCD issues.
Unifor Local 531 is now accepting applications for the interim Women’s Advocate position at YVR. This role is a vital resource negotiated in our Collective Agreement with WestJet and provides critical support to our members. We are looking for someone who is compassionate, empathetic, and committed to supporting members with care, discretion, and respect.
The Women’s Advocate is a specially trained union representative who provides confidential support and referrals on issues such as:
This morning, the WestJet flight attendants served notice to bargain with the company. Our President, Karen Berry sent a letter of solidarity to the members of CUPE Local 8125, which you can read below.
To the members of CUPE Local 8125,
On behalf of Unifor Local 531, representing airport agents in Vancouver, Calgary, and Toronto, we extend our solidarity as you serve notice to bargain with WestJet. We stand firmly with you as you demand fairness, respect, and recognition for the pivotal role flight attendants play in the aviation industry.
The WestJet Savings Plan (WSP) is frequently referenced in conversations about total compensation, particularly in comparison to wages and other benefits. There is ongoing confusion about how the plan functions, which parts are protected under the Collective Agreement, and which elements the Company can change at its sole discretion. This communication outlines the key facts to support informed discussions about the plan’s value, limitations, and the scope of Union involvement.
Unifor Local 531 is now accepting applications for the interim Women’s Advocate position at YVR. This role is a vital resource negotiated in our Collective Agreement with WestJet and provides critical support to our members. We are looking for someone who is compassionate, empathetic, and committed to supporting members with care, discretion, and respect.
The Women’s Advocate is a specially trained union representative who provides confidential support and referrals on issues such as:
Over the last three years, Unifor members at WestJet Airports YVR, YYC and YYZ have made significant gains through collective action and strong contract language. These protections and improvements didn’t happen by chance. They came from bargaining together and standing united as members.
You union has referred a Step 2 grievance to arbitration regarding a significant change the Company has made to the retirement travel privileges policy.
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.
