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As many of you are now aware, our YYZ operation has experienced noticeable staffing challenges in recent weeks—particularly at check-in and below-the-wing—as a direct result of the integration of Sunwing flying into our mainline schedule.
While the immediate impact has included shift extensions, missed breaks, and high levels of stress on the front lines, we want to acknowledge both your concerns offer broader context that offers a more promising long-term picture.
When Encore ceased operations in Toronto and the company scaled back flying from YYZ to concentrate on Calgary, the need for staff in YYZ drastically dropped. This was an incredibly difficult period for many members in Toronto. Now, with the integration of Sunwing flying, we're seeing a reversal; flights are returning, and with them comes the work we’ve fought to protect and expand.
This week, the company proactively began increasing staffing levels in preparation for the June 24 schedule release. While this announcement was not well-received yesterday and understandably caused frustration, it’s important to understand the alternative: remaining short-staffed and stretched thin through the busy summer months.
Rather than leaving single agents to manage long lines or issuing shift extensions at the last minute, the company is adding hours and shifts before the schedule is released. This gives all of us more stability and clarity and helps preserve your right to adequate rest, scheduled time off, and protected work conditions.
Understanding the Rules & Protections
Below are some key elements of the Collective Agreement (CBA) and the Canada Labour Code (CLC) to keep in mind that apply to your schedule changes:
- 96-Hour Notice (CLC): The company is in compliance with federal law requiring 96 hours’ notice of any schedule changes. While this clause isn’t specifically repeated in the CBA, it is still in full effect under the law.
- Part-Time Scheduling Limits (Article 9-1.03b)
- Part-time employees cannot be scheduled more than four days per week.
- 30% of part-time lines must not exceed 30 hours, which limits “averaging” schedules (e.g., 36 hours one week, 24 the next).
- Casual Limits (Article 9-1.04)
- Casual employees cannot be scheduled more than three days per week or more than 20 hours weekly on average over eight weeks.
- Full-Time Scheduling Guarantees (9-1.06)
- The largest proportion of full-time lines must include three days off in a week, subject to operational requirements
- Other Key Protections:
- Minimum 10 hours rest between shifts with protections if this cannot be managed (Article 9-5).
- All members are guaranteed two consecutive days off a week (Article 9-2.07)
- No additional shifts immediately before or after vacation blocks without your consent (Article 9-7.05).
- If you’ve traded a day off, the company cannot add a shift on that day (Article 9-8.05) - important for post-schedule release if further adjustments must be made by the company.
- 48-hour notice is required to change your start/end time by three hours in inverse order of seniority (Article 9-7.01).
- 72-hour notice is required to add a shift on a scheduled day off (Article 9-7.03) and members have the right to refuse based on specific criteria (speak to your Unit Chair if you need support with this)
These articles ensure that even with schedule adjustments, your quality of life, rest time, and agreed days off are protected.
Why This Matters
More flying means more jobs. Increased hours, the potential creation of full-time roles, and fewer scope violations are all steps forward for Local 531 members in YYZ. The more of this work we retain for our union members, the stronger our local becomes.
Yes, we absolutely recognize the stress and anxiety many of your are facing when juggling second jobs, school or family obligations. No one wants surprise changes, especially during summer. But bolstering the schedule now is far better than scrambling later. And with your union actively involved, you’re not alone in navigating this transition.
We’re Here for You
Your YYZ SRC team and Unit Chair Erica Kelly are in ongoing discussions with the company, providing real-time feedback and ensuring your rights are protected. They will be monitoring the situation closely over the coming weeks as the new schedule is finalized and released. We’ll continue to keep you informed, advocate for your interests, and ensure that YYZ continues to be a stronghold for Local 531.