A message from Unifor National President, Lana Payne
“Black history is not just for Black people – Black history is Canadian history.”
On August 1, Emancipation Day, Unifor recognizes this powerful quote from Jean Augustine, the first Black woman to serve as a member of Parliament and the 2018 recipient of Unifor’s Nelson Mandela Award, that serves as an important reminder that historical change cannot take place without collective action, backed by solidarity, unity and mobilization.
Understanding your rights around overtime (OT) pay is important to ensuring you are fairly compensated for your time. Unifor Local 531 continues to advocate for clear and consistent application of overtime rules, as outlined in our Collective Bargaining Agreement. Here’s what every member should know:
Recently, the company issued a communication addressing concerns about timekeeping practices, with particular focus on employees clocking out early before the end of their scheduled shift, while still being paid for the entire shift. While the union recognizes the company's responsibility to ensure accurate payroll and operational consistency, we feel it's important to provide clarity, context, and our position on the matter. Earlier today, the local union shared the following response to their communication, specifically with Labour Relations and Dave Powell VP of Airports.
The union and members are now in receipt of the company's recent communication regarding the cyberattack that occurred on June 13, 2025. While we acknowledge the company has now provided an update, we want you to know that our local union has been actively monitoring this situation since day one to ensure your privacy, safety, and rights as employees are being taken seriously.
All members will receive an email from our Election Committee email address over the next two days. This email serves as official notice that the nomination period for the Local 531 Union Election Committee will soon open on July 25, 2025.
We are seeking one (1) member from each base (YYZ, YYC, and YVR) to serve on the Election Committee for a three-year term. This is a crucial role that supports and safeguards the democratic process within our local union.
We’re excited to share some great news from our members in YVR; the launch of the Unifor YVR Recreation Committee! This new initiative is dedicated to planning inclusive, engaging events that bring members together, build connection, and foster community outside of the workplace.
Unifor Local 531 has filed a Step 2 Policy Grievance in direct response to the Company’s recent announcement that, effective October 1, 2025, any time spent on layoff or approved leave—including maternity/parental leave, sick leave, or other legislative leaves—will no longer count toward retirement eligibility.
This change is buried in a broader announcement about employee travel benefit enhancements, yet the impact of this policy shift is severe and deeply concerning.
On July 15, 2025, Local 531 YVR Unit Chair announced she would be taking a medical leave from her position. On behalf of the Local Union Executive Board and our members, we will dearly miss Breanne during this time but know she will come back stronger than ever. We wish her a speedy recovery!
Dear YVR Local 531 Members,
I was hopeful that I wouldn’t have to write this message—but the time has come for me to step back and take a medical leave.
To understand where we are today with Pay Equity, we need to understand where we have come from. In 1977 the Canadian Human Rights Act was introduced and Section 11 prohibited pay discrimination based on sex, for work of equal value. Its hard to believe that this was almost 50 years ago and yet we still don't see equal pay for equal work. It wasn't until 2018 when the Pay Equity Act was passed which is aimed at federally regulated employers (WestJet) to introduce a pay equity regime, requiring employers to evaluate and correct pay disparities.
We’re excited to share an important Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) initiative—the newly launched Buy Union directory, featuring a wide range of Canadian union-made products and services. Click on this link to read more!
Why Buy Canadian Union-Made?
When you purchase items with the union label—be it clothing, food, automotive services, or hotel stays—you’re not just supporting Canadian producers, you’re investing in:
On behalf of Unifor Local 531, we’re proud to share news of a monumental victory for working people across the country including the 1700 members we represent. Canada has officially passed federal anti-scab legislation, marking a major step forward in the fight for fairer, stronger, and more respectful collective bargaining.
Unifor Local 531 has a has a few exciting opportunities for our union members from Above the Wing (all members except for Ramp Service Agents, Ramp Service Leads and Ramp Service Coordinators).
Over the past several weeks, Unifor Local 531 has heard your concerns loud and clear. We’ve received numerous reports from members regarding injuries and near misses associated with closing the Main Cabin Door (MCD)—and we want you to know how the union is taking action. While this issue is not currently a direct violation of the Collective Agreement, it falls under Occupational Health and Safety and that’s where we are focusing our efforts.
What the Union Is Doing
We are treating this as a serious workplace safety issue and have initiated the following steps:
Your YYZ SRC team and Unit Chair Erica Kelly are in ongoing discussions with the company, providing real-time feedback and ensuring your rights are protected.
June marks Pride Month; a time to honour the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, reflect on the progress made, and recommit ourselves to building a future where everyone can live authentically and safely.
At Unifor Local 531, we believe that diversity is our strength. The many identities, stories, and lived experiences of our members make our union brighter, stronger, and more united. We don’t just celebrate Pride in June; we celebrate and protect the right to be yourself every day of the year.
Unifor Local 531 is strongly condemning the company's ongoing practice of relying on our members, especially those who work below the wing to use their personal cell phones to complete workplace duties.
