According to documents leaked to the Western Standard, WestJet employees are currently engaged in a strike vote that could see planes grounded before the end of the month. .The two-page document says WestJet employees in Calgary and Vancouver are not satisfied with their company's most recent collective agreement, which was presented to the Bargaining Company on June 28. The statement said the company's proposal "was an insult to the work we do." .The list of demands from employees includes:.A living wage reflective of the work we perform and cost of living increasesAn immediate improvement to our current working conditionsPremiums for specialized roles, relief positions and nighttime workRe-instatement of part-time benefits prior to COVID (STD and LTD)Vacation and Stat Day for Full Time EmployeesImproved Sick LeavePaid Breaks."With a strong vote in favour of striking, it will put pressure on the Company to propose a monetary collective agreement that is fair and sustainable for their employees," said the document. .It also indicated customer service agent (CSA) wages have not been increased in more than five years and the low starting wage is "resulting in a large retention problem." ."The more employees we lose, the more pressure put on the existing employees affecting our mental health, work life and quality of life at home," said the document, urging employees to vote in either Vancouver or Calgary on the dates provided..According to an included timeline, strike votes took place in Vancouver Friday and Saturday. Sources told the Western Standard Vancouver employees voted 92% in favour of taking strike action against the air carrier. .The Calgary strike vote is scheduled for Monday and Tuesday at a location that is not being disclosed. . WestJet strike vote document ."By now, you should be aware that we have decided not to extend the federal conciliation process with the company," said the document. .The timeline indicates bargaining will take place in Calgary from July 20 to 22 and again from July 25 to 28. The notice says by midnight July 27, employees will be "in a position to legally strike, with 72 hours advance notice (which could be given on July 24)." .The document informs employees that Calgary and Vancouver Bargaining Committee members and Unifor National leaders will be present for the strike vote to help with any questions. .WestJet employees are further instructed to bring their WestJet ID or employee number and ID for employment verification.."We have been taken advantage of for way too long," said the notice. .It also encouraged all employees to contact their bargaining committee for "accurate, up to date information" should they "hear rumours at the workplace." .The Western Standard sought comment from WestJet but did not hear back in time for publishing.
