CUPE 4951

Prince George Santa Parade - CUPE Represents

IN UNITY THERE IS STRENGTH- Support CUPE 1699 Locked Out

800,000 members. Three coasts. One union. Together, we’re stronger than ever.
800 000 membres. Trois océans. Un syndicat. Ensemble, notre force est sans égale.

CUPE 4951-04 PGPL 3rd Annual BBQ. Members coming together

CUPE 4951 - @ CNC orientation. Thank you Stella for your support

Bargaining Committee Update - 43 Air Canada Component of CUPE

We have heard from many members and have had the great privilege of meeting many of you face to face. We know and feel that you are behind us 100%. We want everyone to be aware and understand that we are behind them to the same degree. We have been working around the clock to ensure that all members are returned to home base. We will leave not one single member without assistance, information and resources. Our journey is together and together we will prevail.

The Canada Industrial Relations Board has declared the strike illegal. However, the consequences for remaining on the picket line have not changed since yesterday. Members are reminded that it is not a criminal offence to remain on the picket line. While union leaders may be subject to arrest, union members are not at risk of arrest for participating in the strike. Please continue to sign up for picket duty and report as planned.

For those that may have any trepidation about defying an unjust order we want to provide some insights and education which has been reviewed by legal counsel.
There is verbiage which is referring to what we are doing as illegal. We are here to say that they can bandy about whatever terms they wish but the plain truth is that this order is unfair. It is corporate protection. The Canada Industrial Relations Board Chairperson who first ruled against us was working as Air Canada’s lawyer until 2023. We’re challenging this unconstitutional attack on workers’ rights. The refusal of this Chairperson to recuse themselves is hard to fathom.

There is nothing illegitimate about resisting exploitation. We must stand for our Charter rights and will not withstand flawed labour laws. When laws protect billion-dollar profits over workers, defiance is necessary.

Please know and understand this:

• Every union in Canada has your back. From the Canadian Labour Congress to longshoremen to teachers. This is now much bigger than just CUPE. We are not alone.

• No member will face consequences alone. CUPE will cover any legal costs and fines. We don’t abandon our own.

• Just like we did with the Education Workers in Ontario in 2022, we won’t back down until we win. The public and the whole labour movement is behind us.

• This is now a movement. The entire labour movement as a whole voted unanimously to support us last night—with actions, not just words.

• Solidarity isn’t symbolic. Expect mass pickets, secondary actions, and nationwide protests if Air Canada refuses to come back to the bargaining table.

We will leave you all with some food for thought. They want you scared. We want you proud! Trust your union - not Air Canada. Air Canada’s plans won’t fly today because of YOUR courage. Never underestimate the resolve of a flight attendant. We have weathered many things, and this historic event will be a story we will tell those who come after us. We will remember.

All the things that so many take for granted were hard fought by union memberships who came before. Things like an 8-hour workday, weekends, and safety laws were won through “illegal” strikes too. We are on the right side of history and fairness. We are strong. We are united.

We thank you for your continued solidarity and encourage all members to remain united during this critical time.

“Justice is the application of law to life, not just the application of laws to facts.”
-Supreme Court Justice Rosalie Abella

In solidarity,
Your Bargaining Committee