February 10, 2021
Member Weekly Update – Edition #5
Please find this latest edition of weekly updates to the membership about ongoing Union business.
In previous editions, we advised of several grievances filed on behalf of the CATCA membership, including grievances related to job security and staffing and the Unfair Labour Practice Complaint. The Unfair Labour Practice complaint has been confirmed by the Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) as received. The CIRB advised NAV Canada that they must respond to the complaint to the CIRB by this week. There is no new information regarding resolutions for either matter; however, the National Executive has tentative meetings scheduled with NAV Canada for February 17, 18, 23, 24 and 25, 2021.
The press release issued to Canadian media outlets about safety risks due to NAV Canada’s service cuts continues to gain attention from the Government and the general public. Last week, NAV Canada presented their testimony to the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, where Ray Bohn made damaging comments about the process. These comments alerted committee members to further question the legitimacy of NAV Canada’s processes and raised further safety concerns.
CATCA continues to work with Unifor in furthering our cause with the Government. We have been receiving additional support from CEOs of Airport Authorities, Mayors and MP’s who continue to sound the alarm concerning NAV Canada and their decision to issue layoff notices before the reviews are complete. Letters of support have been sent to the Federal Transport Minister, Omar Alghabra, demanding that the process be stopped immediately due to NAV Canada having predetermined the closures.
The media has helped the Association highlight that NAV Canada’s current priorities are misplaced and can severely and negatively impact the future of airspace navigation services for all Canadians.
On Monday, February 8, 2021, CATCA sent a letter to Ben Girard indicating the safety implications of Members affected by vulnerability and surplus letters continuing to work. The Association requested that these Members be given the opportunity, at their request, to take Administrative Leave with Pay for any required period they feel is necessary to cope with the mental health issues arising from being under the pressures of possible layoff.
The National Executive is aware of the recently implemented restrictions to hours in position on the midnight shift and the concerns it is causing Members regarding the effects on their fatigue levels. CATCA is working hard to reverse NAV Canada’s decision on this implementation, including a written letter to Transport Canada to address our concerns. We will advise as soon as any information regarding this becomes available.
CATCA is currently creating a survey to be circulated to the membership about safety implications to operations because of the impending cuts. We encourage all members to participate and provide feedback. The information will be used by the Executive Board (EB) to address concerns to Transport Canada.
The current Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) exemption on medical certificates is expiring on March 31, 2021. NAV Canada is expecting Transport Canada to issue another CARs exemption which will direct controllers to renew their medical certificates through telemedicine or in-person visits. Official information will be provided when a CARs exemption is published. Be advised that controllers with medical certificates expiring in April should start planning their renewal soon with their CAME.
A reminder that CATCA will be hosting a National Town Hall this week for all members. Previously CATCA had planned for this session to take place on February 10th, due to ongoing circumstances, it was delayed to Friday, February 12th.
National Town Hall for all CATCA members.
Revised Date: Friday, February 12, 2021
Time: 13:00 – 14:00 ET
Please click here to register for this session.
The Association asks all Members to remain professional as we attempt to continue discussions with NAV Canada over these decisions’ negative impacts. Please remain respectful to management in any discussions or written transactions you may have regarding voicing your concern on this.
We understand how difficult the situation is right now for many of our members. We encourage members to speak with one another, reach out to your RVP, and utilize EAP services to provide additional support click here or here.
On Behalf of the Executive Board;
Doug Best Scott Loder
President Executive Vice President
Click here for the PDF.