Opinion on the Cargo LOU
Analysis
Gaming the future of this industry is practically impossible, which is why pilot unions must rely on solid strategy, good governance and a culture of solidarity to survive. As far as Pilots For Change is concerned, based on our own stated position on collective bargaining, the core elements of our platform, and pilot attitudes reflected in recent surveys, we would have been hard-pressed to bring the current cargo LOU before the pilots.
That said, we strongly support the idea of Air Canada creating jobs, pursuing new markets and diversifying operations– especially in a critical time like this. We also appreciate that standing up an operation during a global pandemic may require a certain amount of relief from labour to move ahead, both on the numbers and even more on the optics.
Our organizers and supporters are not unanimous in their support or dissent for this LOU, but we do agree it is a permanent loss to our current rates of compensation. Fundamentally, we believe this agreement should not have been offered for ratification in its current state. A modest wage snapback, furlough protection or recall commitment would change that– but as they say, “the deal is the deal.” Furthermore, past experience has taught us management may not return with improvements in the event of a failed ratification– and their alternatives are sometimes worse.
As line pilots we do not directly bargain with the company, nor do we get to hear the internal discussions and debates that unfold around the table in order to come to an agreement. We can only choose the type of leaders we want, look to the direction they set for us, remember the objectives laid out in our constitution, and appreciate the reality of our current moment to know if we are on track.
Finally, in deciding how to vote we should be well informed, aligned with our professional values and free from the coercion of others. We should vote for what we want today, but remember we have a future beyond this crisis. In doing so, we, the body of pilots, will always make the right choice…