Meet the Unifor Local 531 Executive Board

President, Erica Kelly

Erica Kelly, President

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As a dedicated WestJet CSA since June 2011, Erica was elected the first YYZ Chair of Unifor Local 531 in May 2023. 

As Vice President of the Executive Board, she will be completing the current Presidential term due to the former president's departure in March 2026.

Born, raised, and still living in the Toronto Pearson International Airport area, Erica learned the value and importance of the airport and its workers at an early age. These values would serve her well throughout her career with WestJet, as she often considered how to improve the lives of working people in her workplace and community.

As a member of Unifor Local 531’s first YYZ bargaining team, Erica was instrumental in negotiating numerous articles that have improved working conditions and increased wages for all Unifor Local 531 members across the country. Her expertise and dedication to WestJet YYZ’s first Collective Bargaining Agreement will be invaluable in ensuring that the union’s voice is heard and that workers’ concerns are addressed for the overall benefit of the membership.

In addition to her work with Unifor Local 531, Erica has been actively involved in the labour and political community since 2018 as an experienced provincial-level political debater and praised anti-racism public speaker. In her free time, Erica continues to serve on her local Riding Association Executive Board, annually elected as CFO at both Federal and Provincial levels since 2019. 

She continues to advocate for strong labour protections, workers’ rights and economic reform through her activism and political efforts. This year her focus directed to Unifor 531 Bargaining 2026.

Mark Enns

Mark Enns, Secretary Treasurer

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WestJet has been a part of Mark’s life for quite a long time; he began his career in Edmonton as a Customer Service Agent in 2001. He worked in Edmonton for a year before transferring to Vancouver as a Team Leader in 2002. Mark has held various Leadership positions in Vancouver over the years, until 2016 when the position with the Support Services position was made redundant across WestJet team. Wanting to continue his career with WestJet, he accepted the role of Customer Service Agent and also Guest Services Manager in relief capacity. In 2021, Mark lead and organized a union movement and worked hard to gain the trust of the team on the floor.  Mark was an integral part of bringing Unifor to our Members and because of his drive and the Airport workers in Vancouver and Calgary certified in May 2021. Mark served a strong voice on the Bargaining Committee and has been elected the first Secretary Treasurer of Local 531. He is honoured and humbled to be trusted in both these positions. It is his goal to work diligently to ensure financial responsibility and accountability of the Local’s assets and funds. Outside of WestJet, Mark enjoys designing and renovating properties for either resale or rental. He is an avid photographer and have shot several weddings for close friends and family.  Mark lives with his wife who also works for WestJet as a Flight Attendant.

Kristie Ilogho

Kristie Ilogho, Recording Secretary & Communications

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Kristie started her role at WestJet back in 2013 as a guest service ambassador. Since then, she has held a few frontline roles as a full-time customer service agent as well as a relief guest service lead. Throughout her 12 years at WestJet she has focused on supporting her coworkers by sharing her knowledge and experiences with them and building a strong working environment in every role she has been in. This year she also had the opportunity to join the SPOT (Safely Performing on Time) Committee in YYZ to contribute her thoughts and ideas to improve the operations.

Travelling is what led most of us to WestJet but community and family is what led us to stay. Kristie has spent most of her 12 years building lifelong bonds and relationships which she intends on bringing to the Local 531. She hopes to share this throughout her emails, communications and social media presence through her role as recording secretary.

Outside of working and travelling, Kristie volunteers at her local spin studio and spends time at the gym to keep her active healthy lifestyle. She also enjoys spending time with her family and husband after making a move back home to Hamilton to be close to family. 

Sherwin Antonio

Sherwin Antonio,

YYC Unit Chair

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Sherwin Antonio elected as the first District Chair for YYC, Unifor Local 531 in 2022, representing over 500 members in the Airline sector. Prior to acclamation, he played a pivotal role along with many others in the drive to organize the airport workers for WestJet Airlines. He was then elected to the Bargaining Committee shortly after certification in 2021. Sherwin has been employed with WestJet for over 16 years in the frontline role and continues an active Guest Service Lead in Baggage. Being a part of history in the making has paved Sherwin’s drive to continue to build inclusivity within the workplace. He has demonstrates his commitment in strengthening the voices of members and leaving a legacy behind for others to become advocates and leaders in workers’ rights. 
A born and raised Calgarian with a passion to give back to humanity and a wanderlust. Sherwin truly recognized how grueling the fight against worldwide childhood hunger can be as he climbed to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Instead of typical fundraising techniques, Sherwin decided to join FCE’s NO Hunger Ball campaign raising over $10,000 through this treacherous climb to Kilimanjaro’s peak. He now works towards conquering all 7 summits.

Image Jamillah Mensah

Jamillah Mensah, 

YYZ Unit Chair

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As a Unit Chairperson, I have a full understanding of the responsibility, sacrifice, and resilience this role demands. This is not simply a leadership title; it is a commitment to protect our members, enforce our Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), and ensure that every member feels heard, represented, and respected. I will consistently advocated for fairness, equity, and accountability in our workplace. I will support members through investigations, disciplinary meetings, workplace conflicts, and complex labour relations matters, ensuring the CBA is applied consistently and fairly. 
 
In addition, I bring a strong legal background, which strengthens my ability to interpret and apply the Collective Agreement, understand the Canada Labour Code, and analyze workplace issues through a structured and evidence-based lens. My legal knowledge enhances my ability to research case law, draft grievances thoroughly, prepare members effectively for investigative meetings, and identify procedural errors or contractual violations. This background allows me to approach representation strategically; not just emotionally, ensuring members receive informed, well-prepared, and confident advocacy.
 
I understand that the Unit Chair must manage constant communication, triage urgent issues, and handle sensitive matters with discretion. I am organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable balancing multiple priorities while maintaining accurate documentation and follow-up. Strong representation requires both protection and education ,members must understand their rights in order to defend them, and I am committed to empowering our membership through knowledge.
 
I am dedicated to strengthening engagement, mentoring Workplace Representatives, prioritizing safety and equity, and ensuring transparent communication between membership and leadership. I will collaborate where possible and advocate firmly where necessary.
 
This role requires resilience, long hours, and difficult conversations. I am prepared for that reality. My leadership is grounded in integrity, confidentiality, and solidarity. I will apply the CBA fairly and consistently, without favoritism, and always in the best interest of the membership.
 
I will serve with dedication, courage, and accountability protecting our agreement, defending our rights, and strengthening Unifor Local 531.
YVR unit chair Heather Benson on a hike with her dog

Heather Benson,

YVR Unit Chair 

unitchairyvr@uniforlocal531.ca

Heather is a dedicated member of the WestJet team, currently serving as a Guest Service Lead at YVR. Since joining WestJet in 2022, she has built a strong foundation in frontline operations, beginning as a CSA and gaining experience in both the IC and Baggage roles. Heather also took on a term position as a Guest Service Manager (GSM), where she further developed her leadership and operational management skills.  During her time at WestJet she has developed relationships built on trust and mutual respect.

Before joining WestJet, Heather spent eight years working within Fraser Health in a unionized environment, where she developed a deep appreciation for collaboration, fairness, and the importance of a strong collective voice in the workplace.

Heather brings a balanced perspective to her role—combining hands-on operational expertise with a genuine commitment to supporting her colleagues and promoting a positive, respectful workplace culture.

When not at the airport you will find Heather in the mountains, on the water or traveling.

Elaine Keras

Elaine Keras, YVR Trustee

Elaine was elected as the YVR Trustee in September 2022. She has two children and a dog. Elaine has been employed with WestJet for 9 years and began her career as a Guest Services Ambassador. Elaine then moved to become a Customer Services Agent and recently took on the role of an Airport Leaning Coordinator in a relief capacity. Elaine was a long-time member of the WestJet Culture Committee as she believed in growing and nurturing WestJet’s unique culture. She still remains committed building relationships between her coworkers and often organizes events outside of work to nurture those friendships. Elaine loves traveling and the travel industry. Some of the places she’s been to include San Francisco, Cancun, Hawaii, and China. In her spare time, she can usually be found with a crochet hook in hand as she is an avid crocheter.

Jagreet

Jagreet Sandhu, YYC Trustee

Since joining WestJet in 2017, Jagreet Sandhu has held a variety of frontline roles including Guest Services Ambassador (GSA), Customer Service Agent (CSA), Baggage Service Agent (BSA), Priority Service Agent (PSA), and DDC. In her current role as an Airport Learning Coordinator (ALC), she supports training and development, contributing to mentorship and the growth of her fellow team members.

Jagreet has proudly served as a Trustee with Unifor Local 531 over the past few years. She is deeply committed to advocating for employee rights and being a supportive, accessible voice for her coworkers. Her involvement also includes time with the WestJet Community Investment Team and participation in numerous charity events across the organization.

Outside of work, Jagreet enjoys hiking, volunteering, yoga, and spending time with her husband, two sons, and their dog—life as the queen of a household full of boys keeps her on her toes. She is passionate about learning, community, and kindness. Jagreet actively volunteers with the Healthy Lifestyle Foundation and Khalsa School, where she teaches Punjabi and helps organize cultural events. She also loves arranging hiking adventures with friends, blending wellness and connection in everything she does.

 

MJ

Maria- Jose Bouey, 

YYZ Trustee

For those who don’t know me, my name is Maria-José Bouey (MJ) and I was part of your first collective agreement for YYZ and elected your first trustee for YYZ. Being your Trustee, and the first Trustee for YYZ with Unifor Local 531, has truly been a privilege. I’m so grateful to everyone who nominated me to run again for a second term. It means more to me than I can put into words. To me, being a Trustee is about accountability, transparency, and doing the right thing….. even when it’s not easy. No matter the outcome, I’ll always be here to listen, to help, and to be honest. I believe in YYZ, I believe in Local 531, and I believe in all of us across Canada. It’s our work and unity that will lead us to continued success. I am so proud of the engagement and hope that you all continue to step forward into roles and be a part of our growing union. Please stay united!!