An Update from Pilots for Change

We are deeply discouraged by the lack of progress we have seen from our union.  To say these have been frustrating times - with multiple barriers and obstacles being thrown our way, from within and outside our Association - would be a massive understatement.  We have yet to see our plan to re-engage, revitalize and realize come to fruition.

One of our missions is to  “Communicate effectively - communication is paramount.  Through timely, relevant and effective communication our pilot group will re-engage.”  We do not believe ACPA has met our necessary communications standard.  As such, as a movement, we all must continue to communicate and reach out to our support base and the wider ACPA membership as a whole.  Lastly, while we are firm believers in transparency we do understand that trade unions can’t always disclose specific details on some matters. Especially as it relates to detailed negotiations with the company or when it involves individual member grievances. However, ACPA should disclose the big picture to our members and share as much information as able. For example, something as simple as communicating the current number of outstanding grievances and approximate timelines to resolution.   

While we have seen some early accomplishments since January, we feel there is still a long way to go for ACPA to deliver on various elements of The Plan, put forward by Pilots for Change last fall.  We don’t feel this is acceptable, and it has left us frustrated and angry.

P4C has numerous supporters and like-minded individuals, both inside and outside of ACPA now.  So where is the change?  The fact is we do have some members of the MEC who believe integrity is more than just a word and accordingly must follow proper procedure and process. Delays in achieving meaningful change lead to frustration in the short term, but in the long run following proper process is how we will return our union back to the membership.  Taking the time to build consensus takes exactly that - time, and a stronger MEC will emerge because of that investment.  We have many great advocates working as ACPA volunteers building a strong foundation - but we do need more agents of positive change.  

Upcoming Elections

As the Pilots for Change machine ramps up for election time, we must stress how important the upcoming elections are.  First, we thank Mike Dorey for being a strong advocate for our pilots as YYZ LEC Chair. As announced earlier this week, there will soon be an election in YYZ to fill this vacancy.  It is imperative that we hold this seat and ensure it is filled by a fellow pilot whose views align with the core elements of Pilots for Change. Another three MEC seats will also be up for grabs this fall with the Vice Chair Elections in YYZ, YUL and YVR. 

YVR Recall Vote

Your 5 YVR Councillors must be commended for accelerating the winds of change.  They found themselves in an untenable CRM situation. In triggering recall votes for the Base Chair and Vice Chair, they put the power in the hands of the YVR membership - and the membership spoke loud and clear. These pilots strongly expressed their desire for new leadership in YVR. Regrettably, despite a turnout over 80% with a strong majority of voters expressing their desire to remove the base leadership, the result did not meet the absurdly high standard required by our flawed ACPA Constitution. Despite this democratic referendum on their leadership, the Base Chair and Vice Chair have elected to remain in their positions and continue defending the status quo, in the face of a lack of confidence from the majority of the YVR membership.

A graphical representation of what the Status Quo ACPA mentality has achieved.

It is important to note that, at virtually any other airline union, the results of this Recall Campaign would have resulted in the removal of these elected representatives.

For example, the ALPA constitution on Local Executive Council Recall procedures is as follows:

F. RECALL OF LOCAL COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE OR OFFICER

At a Local Council meeting, which has been called to consider, among other things, a recall, such Local Council, by a majority vote of the Active members in good standing of that council then present, and valid proxies, may request the Vice President-Administration/Secretary to initiate and circulate a ballot among the Active members of such Local Council for the removal of a Local Council Status Representative or Officer, said ballot to be conducted under Association Voting Procedures. Such ballots shall be validated and tallied under the supervision of the Election and Ballot Certification Board who shall certify the results and notify the Vice President-Administration/Secretary. The Vice President-Administration/Secretary shall promptly mail a copy of the certification of results to the members of the Local Council.

Strong Leadership is a Must Have

It is hard to overstate just how important the upcoming fall elections will be.  We need as many MEC votes as possible for the will of the membership to truly manifest under proper process and leadership.  Right now, trying to compromise with defenders of the status quo who are rowing in the opposite direction is not working. It will not get this pilot group where we need to be, especially come negotiations time.  The clock is ticking and we need to be as prepared and united as possible.   

An unfortunate example of what happens when failed leadership is at the helm is facing our pilot group right now with the announcement of two 777 freighters joining our fleet.  Pilots for Change published an opinion and a pro/cons list when the 767 Cargo LOU was before us. With the benefit of hindsight, this makes for a shocking read. Despite already having 777 rates and spending a great deal of the pandemic flying 777 freighters under those very rates, the unfortunate reality is that we, the pilot group, voted for a 10% pay cut through the Cargo LOU.  This also allows for the risk of arbitration to determine pay rates on future fleets. As these new 777s come online, it is becoming clear what a strategic blunder this was.

Foresight and sound economic and financial analysis are paramount when negotiating items such as this. Whatever is negotiated will have long-lasting effects for our pilot group.  The company claimed we would not be a door to door cargo delivery service.  However, with rivo operating under the Air Canada brand that hardly seems to be the case.  The company also said we should compare ourselves more to the likes of Atlas Air pilots versus Fedex or UPS pilots.  With a new contract ratified in 2021, current Atlas pay rates now eclipse ours by a significant margin.

Calls to ACTION!

Pilots for Change commends the grassroots petition we have seen circulating on various social media platforms.  If you are unaware: The petition advocates for amending the ACPA constitution to allow online attendance and voting at all Local Membership Meetings.  Please take the time to fill out this petition and pass it along to any of your fellow pilots. 

It has also come to our attention that one of our fellow pilots is facing a serious health challenge. If you are able to contribute to this Go Fund Page in support of his plight, it would be greatly appreciated. Supporting our fellow pilots in their time of need is the foundation to building strong unity and solidarity throughout our profession.

Thank You

As always, thank you for being engaged and helping unify our pilot group. By simply staying informed and being part of the conversation, you are helping rebuild our union one conversation at a time.

Despite the fact that we are not yet where we want to be, the momentum continues to build. Through collective activism, we will achieve success and build a union we can all be proud of. Ultimately, we must harness our frustration into continued action.  Keep engaging and keep your union accountable.  

Pilots for Change is here to stay until we all have the union we deserve.

This is your union and your voice matters.