A: A Workplace Representative is a union member elected by their peers to represent them on shift in the workplace. Their responsibilities include:

• Advocating for fellow members by being CBA experts
• Committing to learning the CBA and knowing where to find the answers
• Upholding and enforcing the CBA
• Identifying and reporting workplace issues that violate the CBA
• Supporting members during investigatory meetings or discipline
• Attending investigative or outcome meetings with fellow members 
• Taking detailed notes, communicating effectively to their Unit Chair
• Attend General Membership Meetings and other union meetings and events

A: A Workplace Representative has a very important role to fulfil, however there are limitations including:

• Workplace Reps do not negotiate the CBA or implement new language. Negotiating the CBA is the responsibility of the Bargaining Committee, which is elected separately. 
• They do not file grievances but participate in discussions as to whether or not a grievance needs to be filed.
• They do not act individually on behalf of the union as a whole.  
• Workplace Reps are workplace focused; broader union representation and communication falls to the Executive Board or other elected union leadership.   

A: Nominations can be submitted via the Simply Voting platform 

  - Nomination Period Opens: Friday, July 3, 07:00 ET
  - Nomination Period Closes: Sunday, July 5, 19:00 ET

Any submissions after that time will not be accepted.

Please see Nomination & Election Period Important Dates above for specific dates and times of other important information.

A: Nomination Acceptance & Candidate Submissions: Sunday, July 5, 19:00 ET – Tuesday, July 7, 19:00 ET

If you have been nominated, the Elections Committee will notify you via an email from the Simply Voting platform upon closing of the Nomination Period. Candidates must accept their nominations by the end of the Nomination Acceptance Period to be on the ballot.

Note: Candidates must also submit their candidate statement and photo by Close of the Nomination Acceptance Period. Only items uploaded during the designated Nomination Acceptance Period will appear on our Local's website and on the ballot.  If no statement or photo is submitted by the deadline, the ballot will be left blank with only the candidate's name.

Union roles typically hold a 3-year term with the exception of OHS Committee.

3-year terms for Workplace Reps are stipulated in both our Local Bylaws and the Unifor Constitution.

YYZ is currently looking to fill six (6) ATW Workplace Rep positions.

A: Any Unifor Local 531 member in good standing can be nominated. Nominees must be located in the base of the election and within the appropriate departments if applicable.

Final candidates may not include Election Committee members, nor Executive Board Officers with FT union duty schedules.

The Election Committee will have the Simply Voting platform email all electors their login credentials upon opening of the Nomination Period. Please utilize this login to nominate fellow members during the Nomination Period.

Please see Nomination & Election Period Important Dates above for specific dates and times.

The Election Committee will have the Simply Voting platform email all nominees to notify them of their nomination at Close of the Nomination Period and Opening of the Nomination Acceptance Period. Please utilize this login to Accept or Decline your nomination. If you do not received an expected notice at this time be sure to contact @email

Please see Nomination & Election Period Important Dates above for specific dates and times.

A: If you don’t respond by the deadline, your name will not be included on the ballot.

Nomination Acceptance can be rescinded by contacting the Election Committee at @email prior to the ballot being finalized. 

To make this yet to be determined deadline, contact them ASAP.

For any questions or concerns regarding the process contact the Election Committee at @email 

A: Yes! You are encouraged to submit the following via the Simply Voting platform during the Nomination Acceptance Period:

• A photo of yourself (in JPG format)
• A short bio that may include:
  • Your preferred name
  • You current base and position and years of service
  • Why you would make a good Workplace Rep
  • Relevant experience and union involvement

This info will be included on our Local's website and on the official ballot. Deadline for submission is also upon Close of the Nomination Acceptance Period. If you do not submit a photo or bio during this period, the website and ballot will include only your name.

A: Voting will take place online using Simply Voting which is a safe, secure, accessible and confidential platform.  Each eligible voter will receive a unique voting link to their personal email address. If you do not receive a link,  please reach out to @email

Please see Nomination & Election Period Important Dates above for specific dates and times.

A: Yes—but there are strict guidelines:

• You may not use Company resources (WestJet email, Teams, shift time, etc) for campaigning 
• You may use the Union logo 
• You may hang one 8.5"x11" poster on each union bulletin board in your workplace with prior permission from the Election Committee via email submission of materials
• Any print materials distributed should be done so discreetly and not while on-shift. These print materials should not be left or found within the workplace. All print materials must also be approved in advance by the Election Committee via @email due to this concern.
• You may use your personal social media 
• Online materials do not require approval
• Slander, harassment, or bullying online or in-person is not allowed
• Inappropriate comments about the Union or Company will not be tolerated
• Action may be taken by both the Union and /or the Company if minor, severe, or recurring violations occur

A: Yes, as long as campaigns are conducted within the guidelines of the Campaigning Rules. 

All members have a protected right to free speech and participation in democratic processes. Only members of the Election Committee are restricted from campaigning as per Local Bylaws, section 12.d.

A: Please email @email with any questions, concerns, or technical issues related to nominations or the election process. Please contact your Unit Chair with any questions regarding the role of Workplace Rep.