The Time is NOW
COVID MOA#2…
The results of the vote are in and our union democracy achieved a massive win! A voter turnout of 89% shows high union engagement. This is one of the core elements of Pilots for Change; “Without an engaged pilot group we are at the whim of outside forces including airline management, governments and regulators. On the flip side, when pilot leaders know they have an engaged pilot group behind them they will be empowered to make the tough decisions, to speak out against negative business interests and will take critical positions in order to protect our profession.” Pilots for Change is encouraged to see this level of engagement taking root within our pilot group, and we want to see that replicated for the election of the LEC Base Chair positions.
Strength in Numbers
Sustained engagement is required going forward as our industry continues to be turned upside down by this pandemic. The Covid MOA #2 provides our pilot group with another six months of pay and job certainly, but we must use this time wisely. Our association needs to have laser focus on the road ahead and prepare fully for what the future may hold. We need to build a plan for collective action as the recovery unfolds over the coming months – or even years. This is how airline executive teams approach risk and uncertainty and so far it has proven successful as our own airline navigates the crisis without direct government assistance.
However, as the crisis deepens, and talk of a second wave grows, the likelihood of survival without government assistance looks more uncertain. This is a time where we must lean into our connections within our aviation community and develop a plan to guide us. The European Cockpit Association (ECA) has already shown us what can be accomplished when associations work together and confront this moment head on. Within North America we must do the same and fight for our industry with one unified voice. With that said, Pilots for Change was very encouraged to see industry union leaders, including ACPA CEO Rob Giguere, hold a joint press conference yesterday morning calling on the government for a long term plan and for industry support. These loose coalitions are a great start however a more formalized structure would extract even greater value for all professional Canadian pilots. As was shown in this press conference, when we do speak with a unified voice, the industry responds quickly. Once this clear message was delivered, the National Airlines Council of Canada was quick to support our harmonized goal. This unified approach must be expanded and properly channelled in order to sustain pressure on the government until we get the relief our industry needs. Never has there been such a critical time to come together.
Do your part to keep the pressure on Ottawa. Sign the petition and show the federal government our industry needs real support, and pass it along!
United Pilots Pandemic Recovery LOA Update
Air Canada pilots often look to our fellow legacy pilots to gauge our own approach, and we saw last week that the United Airlines pilots ratified their Pandemic Recovery Letter of Agreement (LOA). Through their democratic voting process, the agreement was ratified on the very same day that our ACPA vote on the Covid MOA #2 passed. Impressively, the United LOA protects all 13 000 United pilots employed and rescinds the 2850 previously announced furloughs until June of 2021 – even as further government support going forward remained uncertain at the time. “Our members understood that in order to protect pilot jobs, we needed to approve this agreement,” said Capt. Todd Insler, United ALPA Master Executive Council chairman. “We’re spreading the existing flying among our pilot group while locking in permanent contractual gains. I am proud of our pilots for showing the unity and resolve needed in the face of uncertainty.” This global pandemic requires a recovery effort with fresh perspectives. Outside-the-box thinking comes from sharing our ideas and our intel on the current landscape, adopting best practices from other pilot groups as we move towards recovery, and adopting a common purpose towards a sustainable and resilient profession for the long-haul.
Lessons Learned From a Senior 787 Captain and ACPA’s Last President
Former ACPA President and current Governance Chair, Captain Ian Smith, has sent us his personal view on our past, present and future in the community of airline pilots in North America. His letter also details his thoughts about our association, where it has been, where it stands today and what our next steps could be. Ian reminds us that the power of a democratic union is at the ballot box. Click here to read Captain Smith’s letter, and let’s keep our engagement factor high and get the vote out in YVR, YWG and YUL!
The P4C Election Slate
Our MEC requires pilot leaders who have a combination of union experience paired with a clear understanding of what can be accomplished when we work together. This is the time to elect a slate of like minded candidates who share a strategic vision of what needs to be done to see our pilot group through to the other side of this crisis. Air Canada pilots want a unified MEC that is focused on sustaining and bettering our profession so we can truly be leaders on a global scale.
André Soucy, Rob Bergeron and Cameron Soderberg are pilots of integrity who each bring experience, passion, positivity and a strong commitment to our pilot group. Pilots for Change is proud to stand behind them. Their campaign literature is posted on our website where you can access it by clicking on the candidate profile picture. There you will also find an “Ask a Question” button so you can engage directly with the candidates. Please share their literature with your fellow colleagues and be sure to compare and contrast it with the other candidates.
Voting Matters
The same principle applies in elections as when voting for the MOA. A strong pilot union requires an educated and engaged pilot group. Therefore, as with any democratic decision, in this election make sure the information you are digesting is based in truth – and if you have any questions be sure to ask the candidates to get clarification! This is not the time for fear-mongering and arguments based on emotional rhetoric of the past. This is the time for a forward-looking approach, focused on a brighter future for our association.
To borrow the phrase, we can and will “build back better”. The pressure of this movement has already shown our pilot group that together we can expect to see results, so let’s keep the momentum moving. We encourage everyone to look past the status quo and say YES to Change. If not now, when the world and our industry is literally shifting before our eyes, then when? Now is the time to have a say in your Profession, so cast your vote for the future you want. It all starts at the ballot box on October 5th.
Thank You to Our Supporters & Our Readers
As always a very special thanks to our supporters, whose names appear alongside the organizers of Pilots for Change and can be found on the “who we are” section of the website. Your willingness to signal your support has given this initiative the momentum we need and we are continually appreciative. For the rest, thank you for signing up for our newsletter and for choosing to stay engaged in our profession – together we can make it stronger for years to come.
In Unity,
P4C
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