Keewatin Air Bargaining Update #5
Hello Keewatin Air members,
Your bargaining committee; Shawn, Dayna, Sara, Jayson and Steve have been hard at work throughout the month of June with several bargaining meetings to work towards a collective agreement. We have been advocating strongly and emphasizing:
- the importance and need for predictability in scheduling;
- a clearly defined trigger to earn overtime (not a two tiered system);
- adequate staffing to help manage a proper work life balance;
- a strong fatigue and rest policy;
- continued conversations on training;
- as well as layoff and recall policies.
The company has made it evident that while they are making moves to up-staff bases throughout the coming months, unfortunately, they have stuck to their tabled proposals that intend to keep the current rolling duty days and rotational schedules.
In spite of our insistence to the company that we need improvements, the company has not yet demonstrated that they are willing to move and instead have tabled proposals that simply continue with the status quo on:
- current scheduling;
- lack of overtime pay for shifts over 14 hours;
- averaging of hours for pay;
- limited concern for work life balance.
Further, they have also indicated that they have a desire to have all Trauma Flight employees cross trained and adopt the scheduling and overtime practices that apply to fixed wing.
In the coming weeks, while we may have additional staff at majority of bases, it is imperative that we show management how important it is to have adequate staffing in order to complete calls, base duties, members to be getting adequate rest and support, and other rotational tasks as necessary.
While your committee continues to fight for adequate compensation, scheduling, training, and so much more, it is incredibly important to show your support in the coming weeks. Together we will make a difference! We ask that you please submit your selfies for the bargaining campaign to show support from the members and that we deserve a contract that encompasses a better schedule, increase work life balance, adequate pay and incentives. Selfies can be sent to contact@usw1944.ca.
Thank you for your continued support.
In Solidarity,
Dayna, Shawn, Sara, Jayson and Steve
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