January 27, 2021
Member Weekly Update – Edition #3
Please find this latest edition of weekly updates to the membership about ongoing Union business.
Previously, we advised you of a number of grievances that were filed on behalf of the CATCA membership, including grievances related to job security and staffing. On Friday, January 22, 2021, CATCA received a response from NAV Canada indicating they believe they have not violated the Collective Agreement and have denied all grievances submitted on Articles 4, 5, 10, 31, 32, 33. CATCA is awaiting correspondence from NAV Canada regarding requested meetings to discuss solutions and or further steps in the grievance process.
NAV Canada continues to move ahead with the National Leave Guidelines (“Policy”). CATCA wrote NAV Canada on January 22, 2021 and advised them that their attempt to circumvent the Collective Agreement and Collective Bargaining is unacceptable, and have requested they revoke them immediately. The Union is currently awaiting a response. It is extremely disheartening that NAV Canada continues to refuse engaging in more collaborative discussions.
On Thursday, January 14, 2021, vulnerability letters were issued by NAV Canada to Members at the 6 control towers: Prince George (YXS), Whitehorse (YXY), Fort McMurray (YMM), Regina (YQR), Sault Ste. Marie (YAM), and Windsor (YQG). This is in addition to the letters already received on December 7, 2020 by St. Jean Tower (YJN) which are further along in the Level of Service review (LOS) process. CATCA believes these actions will detrimentally affect the safety of the flying public and has clearly indicated such to NAV Canada. We are strongly opposed to any reduction of services at these locations.
Yesterday, CATCA responded to NAV Canada’s decision to implement a three hour maximum time in position on a midnight shift. The Union does not support this decision and has continuously raised safety concerns for the Membership and general public to NAV Canada which have seemingly been ignored. CATCA will be communicating our opposition to this arbitrarily imposed measure to the regulator, Transport Canada, further updates will follow. We understand that this is not viewed favorably by our Membership, but we ask all Members to remain professional as we attempt to continue discussions with NAV Canada over the negative impact the implementation of these limits will have on the operation. Please remain respectful to management in any discussions or written transactions you may have in regards to voicing your concern on this.
CATCA will be hosting Town Halls in the upcoming week for the affected ACC surplus members and Level of Service review members. There will also be a National Town Hall hosted the following week.
Town Hall for ACC Surplus, members of: Gander (YQX), Moncton (YQM), Montreal (YUL), and Edmonton (YEG).
Date: Wednesday, February 3, 2021
Time: 10:00 am – 11:00 am ET
Town Hall for Level of Service, members of: Prince George (YXS), Whitehorse (YXY), Fort McMurray (YMM), Regina (YQR), Sault Ste. Marie (YAM), Windsor (YQG), and St Jean (YJN).
Date: Wednesday, February 3, 2021
Time: 13:00 pm – 14:00 pm ET
National Town Hall, all members.
Date: Wednesday, February 10, 2021
Time: 13:00 pm – 14:00 pm ET
Instructions on how to access your session will be provided in a separate B&F.
Other updates
- Collective agreements have been dispatched to all branches and facilities.
- Electronic voting for the RVP Central position begins today, January 27, 2021 and closes February 1, 2021, noon EST.
As noted before, we understand how difficult the situation is right now for many of our members. Your Executive Board continues to work to protect our member’s rights and jobs and will continue to do so. Should you require assistance, your RVP and Branch Chairs are available to you. EAP services are always accessible to provide support; click here or here.
On Behalf of the Executive Board;
Doug Best Scott Loder
President Executive Vice President
Click here for the PDF.