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Unifor is proud to have 160 WestJet airport ramp workers at YYC in Calgary and YYZ in Toronto join the union, with protections under the existing collective agreement.
“We are thrilled to welcome our new WestJet members,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Growing a stronger membership at different airports across the country will build our bargaining power and set us on a path to achieve workplace improvements.”
The certification includes WestJet ramp workers at Vancouver YVR, should they be brought back in-house as well.
The members perform ramp service duties.
“On behalf of Local 531, I am thrilled to welcome our newest ramp service agents and ramp service coordinators to our team,” said Unifor Local 531 President Karen Berry.
“Congratulations on your hard work and dedication in achieving certification. By joining 1,500 other members at YVR, YYC and YYZ, you are now part of a successful, progressive and effective local union that continues to thrive through collaboration, advocacy and commitment to upholding our union’s principles.”
The Calgary and Toronto workers now join Unifor Local 531, which is already home to approximately 1,500 WestJet members. The workers were motivated to improve their wages and benefits. The group was also concerned about contract flipping and issues outlined in Unifor’s Air Transport Workers’ Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
This group was being represented by an employer-controlled employee association with no real power and wanted real representation that Unifor brings.
“Becoming part of Unifor means we now have the collective strength to address the challenges we face every day,” said WestJet ramp service agent Shane McDonald. “This is a huge win for all of us at WestJet Ramp Toronto, and I’m excited about what we can accomplish together.”
The organizing campaign began Nov. 2023 and the application with filed with the Canada Industrial Relations Board in Feb. 2024. Last week, on Dec. 5, after several long delays, the board certification was issued.
