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A Message from Your Executive Board
As the summer draws to a close, we want to take a moment to reflect on the past few months and express our heartfelt appreciation for your unwavering dedication and hard work. This summer has been one filled with many challenges. Yet, through it all, we stood united, supporting one another and advocating for fair treatment, safe working conditions, and the respect we deserve. Your resilience and commitment have not gone unnoticed. It's during times like these that the strength of our union truly shines, and we couldn't be prouder to represent each and every one of you.
As we look ahead, know that your Executive Board is dedicated to continuing the fight for your rights and well-being. We will persistently be your advocate to management, address your concerns, and work towards creating an environment that values and supports its workforce.
Hot Topics - All Bases
Let's talk about scope work! Scope Work (sometimes referred to as Scope of Work) - What is it? What does it mean? Who should you talk to about this?
The term "scope of work" refers to a clear and detailed outline of the tasks, responsibilities, and duties that are assigned to employees who are members of a Union. It defines the specific functions and job roles. Scope work is documented in Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA's) negotiated between the Union and the Employer. If you do not have a digital copy of your CBA please connect with your base's Unit Chair to request one. You will find the scope work details specific to your role under Positions and Classifications.
Scope work in a unionized workplace helps maintain a fair and balanced relationship between the Union and the Employer, ensuring that Union members' rights, job roles, and responsibilities are clearly defined and respected.
Allowing management to perform tasks that fall within your CBA defined scope of work can potentially create job loss. If management demonstrates that they can perform tasks designated for Union workers, they might argue that the company can function efficiently with fewer employees. This justification can lead to downsizing the workforce through layoffs or attrition, resulting in job losses among Union members. If management starts taking over tasks that were originally assigned to Union workers, the company becomes less reliant on the unionized workforce. Allowing this to happen can set a precedent for future practices.
Reporting scope work violations to your Unit Chair is crucial to ensure the CBA language is being respected. Scope work violations occur when the agreed-upon parameters of a union member's tasks, functions and responsibilities are deviated from by management. When these violations go unchecked or unreported it creates a culture of laxity and unaccountability. Reporting violations ensures that individuals are held responsible for their actions and helps deter future misconduct.
Full-Time work opportunities!
The Union continues to advocate for an increase of Full Time opportunities and meaningful work for our membership. Full time status offers additional vacation time (weeks), paid vacation (40 hours at your hourly rate) and a comprehensive insurance package; short term disability and long term disability. It is important to note that there has been opportunity to gain Full-Time work, but a lack of applicants interested. Please view your local bases' processes for status change waitlist opportunities. The Union continues to meet and discuss operational needs to ensure Full-Time opportunities are made available to members.
For more details on Filling of Vacancies and Status Changes, please refer to your Collective Agreement.
YVR: SharePoint, YVR Team Site, Recruiting YVR for more details.
YYC: SharePoint, YYC Hub Portal, Careers at YYC Airport for more details.
YYZ: SharePoint, Workforce Forms, Unifor Collective Agreement for more details.
Operational Health and Safety
Remember to always fill out the appropriate Work Safe forms (for your province/base) and IHR for every incident that occurs, regardless of how minor it may be. If you see something that could be dangerous, even if it hasn’t caused an incident yet, always report. An example out of YYZ is reports of fumes in the C pier and the impact it is having on members working in the vicinity. This is a health risk to our members and should be reported every time it is encountered.
YYZ members please make note of the new GTAA TARMAC policy, members who do not wear steel toe shoes as part of their uniform shall not leave the bridge stairs. Safety vests of course are still required.
Scheduling Review Committee
SRC YYZ now has an email! You can contact them at @email
Keaton Cole has been appointed full time to the schedule review committee. Sanjay Lewis will continue to acclaim part time with the schedule review committee in YYZ.
A reminder that the SRC for YYC members can be reached at @email and the SRC for YVR members can be reached at @email.
The YYZ Workplace Representatives will be receiving their training September 8th. Remember Workplace Reps are always a good source of information and a reliable union contact on the floor.
YYZ Workplace Reps:
Danielle Lavigne
Declan Hanlon
Emma Clinkard-Palumbo
Grace Morgan
Keaton Cole
Michelle Lindo
Natalie Fung
Sanjay Lewis
Pride Opportunities - YYC
Calling all activists and supporters!
Join us in making a powerful statement at the Calgary Pride Parade on Sunday, September 3rd, 2023. Stand with Unifor and show your unwavering support for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Whether you're an ally or part of the community, your presence matters. Commit your time from 7:00 AM to Noon and be a vital part of this incredible event.
Contact the YYC Unit Chair Sherwin Antonio at (403) 660-7154 for more details. Let's make our presence felt together!
Membership Meetings
The executive board is looking forward to engaging with members soon as we prepare for our upcoming in person membership meetings. These meetings are a way to connect and strengthen our relationships at Local 531.
Mark your calendars for the following dates:
Calgary - September 18th
Vancouver - October 30th
Toronto - November 7th
In the coming weeks we will be communicating the details (location and times) for each meeting. Stay tuned! The Executive Board is excited to see you in Calgary, Vancouver and Toronto!
Committee Opportunities
Stay tuned for upcoming opportunities to join one of our diverse committees. Whether you are passionate about community outreach, event planning, women's and people of color rights, there will be a committee that needs your unique skills and enthusiasm.
Unifor Local 531 Executive Board
Karen Berry, President Mark Enns, Secretary Treasurer
Breanne Laihow, YVR Unit Chair Sherwin Antonio, YYC Unit Chair
Erica Kelly, YYZ Unit Chair Kara Jahn, Recording Secretary/Communications
Elaine Keras, YVR Trustee Jagreet Sandhu, YYC Trustee
General Inquiries