Meet Your 2026 YYZ Unit Chair Candidates

Thank you 531 members for the nomination. I am a capable advocate who is willing to listen to the voices of the members and champion YOUR best interests with heart and determination. Your rights, your wallet, your benefits are increasingly being squeezed. 

Let’s work together to achieve more prosperous outcomes. My educational background is in Law, Mediation, Justice and Public Safety these are aligned with the challenges and opportunities being the chair will present, and is a needed back drop to support 531 members effectively. 

I look forward to your support and thank you for thinking of me to help you. 

Kind Regards, Michelle McDonald 6341 

Hello fellow WestJeters, I hope I can count on you for your vote, the same way you can count on me if you choose me as your next Unit Chair. My name is Declan Hanlon, and I’d like to let you know what bring to the table. 

I began my West Jet journey in 2016 at YYZ as Guest Service Ambassador. Today I am a Customer Service Agent and Guest Service Lead. From January 2019 to November 2020, I was proud to be the Employee Association Base Leader. As a Union Rep for the past three years, I have participated in meetings between employees and management to ensure that the meetings are fair. 

One of my many strengths in this role is in providing advice to employees before, during, and after all management interactions. I want to make a change. I will prove to you that change will come. One of the most important things I can offer you is my time. I will take the time to listen to all of your concerns and do whatever I can to adhere to those concerns. I understand that my job as Unit Chair is to work for all of you. As Unit Chair your needs are first and foremost. Essentially, your agenda becomes my agenda. You tell me what you need, and I will do everything in my power to make it happen. I feel I am the right person for this position because I am ambitious, passionate, honest and hardworking. I will never stop fighting for each and every one of you. I am a “people person” by nature and thrive on opportunities to collaborate. Everyone has an opinion so let your voices be heard. 

Your input will fuel my actions as your Unit Chair I am confident I have the skills, the qualifications and the personality needed to excel in the role of Unit Chair representing you. I will work hard for you and with you, so we can succeed together. If you vote me for the position of Unit Chair, I believe you will quickly see a positive return on your vote. Thank you for your time and let me help you to be successful. 

Please vote for Declan Hanlon.

I am seeking the position of Unit Chairperson with a full understanding of the responsibility, sacrifice, and resilience this role demands. This is not simply a leadership title; it is a commitment to protect our members, enforce our Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), and ensure that every member feels heard, represented, and respected.

As a current Workplace Representative and BIWOC Representative, I have consistently advocated for fairness, equity, and accountability in our workplace. I support members through investigations, disciplinary meetings, workplace conflicts, and complex labour relations matters, ensuring due process is upheld and the CBA is applied consistently and fairly. I remain calm under pressure, professional in difficult conversations, and unwavering when members’ rights are at stake.

In addition, I bring a strong legal background, which strengthens my ability to interpret and apply the Collective Agreement, understand the Canada Labour Code, and analyze workplace issues through a structured and evidence-based lens. My legal knowledge enhances my ability to research case law, draft grievances thoroughly, prepare members effectively for investigative meetings, and identify procedural errors or contractual violations. This background allows me to approach representation strategically; not just emotionally, ensuring members receive informed, well-prepared, and confident advocacy.

I understand that the Unit Chair must manage constant communication, triage urgent issues, and handle sensitive matters with discretion. I am organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable balancing multiple priorities while maintaining accurate documentation and follow-up. Strong representation requires both protection and education ,members must understand their rights in order to defend them, and I am committed to empowering our membership through knowledge.

I am dedicated to strengthening engagement, mentoring Workplace Representatives, prioritizing safety and equity, and ensuring transparent communication between membership and leadership. I will collaborate where possible and advocate firmly where necessary.

This role requires resilience, long hours, and difficult conversations. I am prepared for that reality. My leadership is grounded in integrity, confidentiality, and solidarity. I will apply the CBA fairly and consistently, without favoritism, and always in the best interest of the membership.

If elected, I will serve with dedication, courage, and accountability protecting our agreement, defending our rights, and strengthening Unifor Local 531.

Hello Everyone, My name is Sanjay Lewis. I am running for Unit Chair, YYZ. This was not a simple decision. I gave it serious thought. 

WestJet is currently my only job. As a Workplace Representative, I see the challenges our members face every day. As a member of the Scheduling Committee, I understand how scheduling affects our work, our families, and our personal lives. Conversations across departments make one thing clear. Our members want fairness, clarity, and support. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect in the workplace. 

This year is especially important. We are entering a new bargaining period. It will not be easy. Strong, steady leadership is required to help build the right team to represent our rights and advocate for what we deserve. I do not promise miracles. I do not have a magic wand. What I offer is integrity, transparency, and stronger communication. When information is missing, misinformation fills the gap. That weakens our unit. Accurate information must reach every member. Workplace Representatives must be equipped, informed, and visible. Members must know what is happening and where to turn when they need support. I will present to you my manifesto. It outlines what I will focus on if elected Unit Chair. 

I write this from the heart. I am running because I want to represent you, defend your rights, and strengthen our workplace. This is my pledge. I invite you to reach out. Call me. Email me. Ask questions. Share concerns. Let us have honest conversations about the future of our unit. 

On election day, vote for leadership that is informed, present, and fighting for you. Sincerely, Sanjay Lewis 

This will be updated when the candidate provides the Election Committee with a bio and photo. 

February 25 1149 ET

With nearly 10 years of dedicated service at WestJet and over 20 years in hospitality leadership, Christiana brings experience, integrity, and unwavering commitment to this role. From Guest Service Ambassador to Guest Service Lead, working both AM and PM operations and serving on the Occupational Health and Safety Committee, she understands the daily realities and challenges facing our members. Christiana is committed to being a strong, visible advocate who protects contractual rights, strengthens communication, and stands firm for fair scheduling, improved work-life balance, and salaries that reflect your value. Guided by fairness, transparency, and solidarity, she will ensure every member of YYZ Local 531 feels heard, respected, and represented.

DDC, Jeff speaking…” When you make a call and you hear those words on the other end, you know you’re in good hands. You know that whatever the situation, it will be handled with integrity, empathy and professionalism. Now I hope to take these skills forward, and represent you as your YYZ Unit Chair. 

With a WestJet career that started 22 years ago, I have performed nearly every role on the floor. Starting as a CSA in 2004 I’ve watched us move from a domestic carrier with 10 flights a day, to the 24 hours a day operation that I now work to plan out as one of your DDCs. Seeing how far we’ve come as a company, we’ve done some amazing things. But those amazing things have always been done by amazing people, and those amazing people can feel unheard.

Our jobs are tough, and our struggles are unique to Toronto. As your Unit Chair, I will be accessible and empathetic to the concerns of our YYZ team, and will work to drive our organization towards the fairness and equity that we, as members of Team YYZ, deserve.