June 22, 2022
CATCA BULLETIN 2022-05
CONVENTION
The triennial CATCA convention was a success, in spite of the COVID-delayed organization, and an excellent opportunity to reconnect with our members. Thanks to the Convention Organizing Committee and volunteers who did a remarkable job in very trying circumstances.
Due to COVID considerations, we could not invite everyone we would have wanted. However, the attending members could still conduct the union’s business and complete the agenda on a timely basis. The report on the convention and the record of resolutions has been delayed due to Sumeeta’s departure, but it is now being finalized and will be released soon.
We are excited to announce that the next convention will be held in St John’s, in 2025, for the first time in 30 years. We look forward to gathering in Newfoundland with members who attended and those who missed the convention in Quebec.
AIRPORT DELAYS
There has been a lot of industry scrutiny lately regarding serious issues with traffic congestion and extensive delays for flights and passengers at major airports. When discussing the difficult circumstances with outside agencies, we have acknowledged the short-staffing situation and its origins while also stressing the positive steps we are pursuing in collaboration with NAV Canada, where possible, in hopes of alleviating the pressure this summer.
STAFFING
Traffic levels continue to recover across the board beyond what was initially projected. As a result, it is putting additional pressure on controllers in units across the country and every type of unit. We are keenly aware of this situation and are continuously advocating that all steps must be taken to ensure safety is paramount and protected in every operation, every day. This means, among other things, that the company must support the health and welfare of our members through active measures during the next few months and beyond.
PROGRAM UPDATE
There are two programs that we expect to see soon. First, the 2023 National Seniority Bid will be posted by the end of June for anticipated training opportunities in the next calendar year. Once posted, members will have 14 days to submit their bids. The bid list will be refined during the summer, and offers will be sent out hopefully at the end of September or in early October.
Second, it is hoped that an agreement will be reached soon to restart the Fam Flight program, with some new destination options available, replacing some that have been lost in the past. Further information will be provided if and when an agreement is finalized.
EXECUTIVE BOARD
New board members will be assuming positions on July 1 – RVPs Chris Kenny (Central) and Andrew Worthington (Pacific). We thank our two outgoing RVPs, Gord Howe – RVP Central, and James Legein – Interim RVP Pacific, for their work for CATCA to keep our union strong during the challenges we faced.
In addition, Nick von Schoenberg – RVP Pacific, stepped up to the position of Interim President while President Doug Best was on medical leave. Nick was successful in his bid for a new term as President, which will also commence on July 1, 2022.
We take this time to thank Doug for the many years he has served the membership of CATCA. Doug’s contributions as EVP are too numerous to mention, and stepping into the President’s position during such difficult and tumultuous times between the Company and CATCA is truly a testament to his dedication to CATCA and its members. Thank you, Doug.
COVID-19 VACCINE MANDATES UPDATE
The Federal government has announced the end of vaccine requirement for Federal employees and transportation workers starting June 20, 2022. As a result, federal employees and transportation workers in federally regulated sectors will no longer have to be fully vaccinated as a condition of their work. For more information, please visit: Suspension of the vaccine mandates for domestic travellers, transportation workers and federal employees – Canada.ca.
NAV Canada has also made changes to their vaccine policy. Please read NAV Canada’s announcement from June 21, 2022, regarding the changes to their vaccine policy by clicking here.
In solidarity,
Nick von Schoenberg Scott Loder
Interim President Executive Vice President
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