Much has been happening within the last few weeks as we get used to the our current circumstances. Many of you have seen from our postings on our website or social media.

Layoffs in normal times are within one employer as a result of one issue. In our union this is an unprecedented time of a single issue affecting an entire industry across Canada. In order for UCTE to defend our members rights and find best outcomes this is going to require an orchestrated effort of all parties: the Canadian Labour Congress; federal, provincial and municipal governments; airlines; airports; service providers; and lobby groups such as the Canadian Airports Council.

All these parties have one thing in common – to protect the air industry which means we must work with unusual approaches. This is the plan that UCTE has been working under:

Directly for members

• Enforce the layoff provisions in the collective agreement
• Minimize the number of jobs lost for our members
• Federal government provide financial assistance to employers to keep workers working 
• Accessing the UCTE hardship fund for one-time payments to laid-off members
• Federal government assistance for seasonal workers
• Enforce members’ recall rights at the earliest possible moment

Support industry rejuvenation

• Through the CLC, support lobbying efforts for airline industry to use the CERB, lowering of provincial fuel tax and for a federal bailout.
• Lobby Transport Canada for regulations to be suspended, IE live fire training and recertifiation requirements 

Protect industry infrastructure

• Working with the Nav Canada Bargaining Agents Association (NCBAA), ensure the financial viability of Nav Canada is in place to ensure the rapid re-opening of air traffic controls
• Supporting, through the CLC coordinated lobbying efforts, fuellers, security, cleaners and any other workers who are needed to ensure the smooth functioning of all airports.

Support for Canadian Airport Council lobbying efforts

• Lobby for financial support for airport authorities
• Rent relief for applicable airport authorities and providing comparable relief for smaller airports
• Lobbying for new revenue-source generating opportunities for airports such as arrivals duty-free