Local News

British Columbia Regional Council Leadership Report

Presented to Unifor BCRC on October 23 by President, Karen Berry to BC Unifor Local Unions and Leaders on October 24, 2025

BC Leadership Meeting Local Union Report

NUMBER OF ACTIVE GRIEVANCES
Step 1 – 5
Step 2 – 2
Referred to Arbitration - 2

Meet Your 2025 President Candidates

The nomination period for our upcoming Local 531 elections has officially closed, and we’re excited to introduce the members who have accepted their nominations and are running for the President position within our union. Each candidate brings a unique combination of experience, passion, and commitment to representing our membership and strengthening our collective voice.

Meet Your 2025 Secretary Treasurer Candidates

The nomination period for our upcoming Local 531 elections has officially closed, and we’re excited to introduce the members who have accepted their nominations and are running for the Secretary Treasurer position within our union. Each candidate brings a unique combination of experience, passion, and commitment to representing our membership and strengthening our collective voice.

Meet Your 2025 Recording Secretary Nominees

The nomination period for our upcoming Local 531 elections has officially closed, and we’re excited to introduce the members who have accepted their nominations and are running for the YVR Trustee position within our union. Each candidate brings a unique combination of experience, passion, and commitment to representing our membership and strengthening our collective voice. 


All members  in YVR, YYC and YYZ are eligible to vote for this position.  

Meet Your 2025 YVR Unit Chair Candidates

The nomination period for our upcoming Local 531 elections has officially closed, and we’re excited to introduce the members who have accepted their nominations and are running for the YVR Unit Chair position within our union. Each candidate brings a unique combination of experience, passion, and commitment to representing our membership and strengthening our collective voice.

Meet Your YVR Trustee Candidate

Updated October 20, 2025

On behalf of the Election Committee, we would like to congratulate Elaine Keras as the declared elected candidate of this election.  Elaine has been acclaimed to her position as the Unifor Local 531 YVR Trustee

Meet Your 2025 YYC Unit Chair Candidates

The nomination period for our upcoming Local 531 elections has officially closed, and we’re excited to introduce the members who have accepted their nominations and are running for the YYC Unit Chair position within our union. Each candidate brings a unique combination of experience, passion, and commitment to representing our membership and strengthening our collective voice.

Meet Your 2025 YYC Trustee Candidates

The nomination period for our upcoming Local 531 elections has officially closed, and we’re excited to introduce the members who have accepted their nominations and are running for the YYC Trustee positions within our union. Each candidate brings a unique combination of experience, passion, and commitment to representing our membership and strengthening our collective voice.

Main Cabin Door: October Update

Since our last update on the monitoring and assessing the Main Cabin Door concerns, we wanted to provide you with further information on the steps the union has taken to stay actively engaged on the MCD issues.

YVR Women's Advocate Posting

Unifor Local 531 is now accepting applications for the interim Women’s Advocate position at YVR. This role is a vital resource negotiated in our Collective Agreement with WestJet and provides critical support to our members. We are looking for someone who is compassionate, empathetic, and committed to supporting members with care, discretion, and respect.


The Women’s Advocate is a specially trained union representative who provides confidential support and referrals on issues such as:

Letter of Solidarity to WestJet Flight Attendants

This morning, the WestJet flight attendants served notice to bargain with the company.  Our President, Karen Berry sent a letter of solidarity to the members of CUPE Local 8125, which you can read below.  

To the members of CUPE Local 8125,

On behalf of Unifor Local 531, representing airport agents in Vancouver, Calgary, and Toronto, we extend our solidarity as you serve notice to bargain with WestJet. We stand firmly with you as you demand fairness, respect, and recognition for the pivotal role flight attendants play in the aviation industry.

Understanding the WestJet Savings Plan (WSP)

The WestJet Savings Plan (WSP) is frequently referenced in conversations about total compensation, particularly in comparison to wages and other benefits. There is ongoing confusion about how the plan functions, which parts are protected under the Collective Agreement, and which elements the Company can change at its sole discretion. This communication outlines the key facts to support informed discussions about the plan’s value, limitations, and the scope of Union involvement.

Stronger Together: What We Have Acheived and What We Are Protecting

Over the last three years, Unifor members at WestJet Airports YVR, YYC and YYZ have made significant gains through collective action and strong contract language. These protections and improvements didn’t happen by chance.  They came from bargaining together and standing united as members.

Timekeeping Issues - Member Update

Unifor Local 531 is aware of the recent timekeeping issues our members are facing since the company issued an email resetting their timekeeping expectations on July 21, 2025.  We are also aware of the inconsistent communication and direction members have been receiving from their leaders at the Base level. 

2025 Master Seniority List & Members' Action Required

The below information was sent to every member of Unifor Local 531 on August 25, 2025 via their personal email provided to the Company.  If you did not receive the email, please reach out to the Unit Chair at your Base.

Every year, no later than September 1, the Company must post a copy of the seniority list on the Company's internal SharePoint for all members to view. This year, the list will be posted on August 25, 2025, and will remain open for review until September 30, 2025.

Main Cabin Door: August Update

The union would like to update the membership on our ongoing advocacy for your safety regarding the Main Cabin Door tasking.  Below you will find a breakdown of the facts, the union's concerns and position and our advocacy for safer work for our member over the last few weeks.    

Possible Job Action Air Canada Flight Attendants

This message is to ensure you understand your legal rights and responsibilities during the potential strike by Air Canada Flight Attendants (CUPE) that could begin Saturday, August 16 at midnight. Please keep this email for reference and speak with your union leaders if you have any questions. As always, we are here to support you.  If you have any questions, need support or are feeling unsafe, please reach out to your Unit Chair at your Base.