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As we enter the final year of our first negotiated Collective Bargaining Agreement, set to expire on December 31, 2026, our focus now shifts to preparing for the next round of negotiations. Throughout the coming year, the Bargaining Committee will host a series of information sessions to gather member input, identify emerging issues, and refine the priorities that will guide us to the table in October 2026.
This upcoming agreement is an opportunity to build on what we have learned, address what we need, and secure what we deserve. Our second agreement is not only about continued progress—it is about strengthening our collective power. That power begins with your participation, your perspectives, and your voice.
The first step in this process is the election of the representatives who will advocate on behalf of all members during bargaining. These individuals must have a solid grasp of our current agreement, an understanding of where we have come from, and a clear vision of where we aim to go.
Bargaining Committee Member Commitment Required
Serving on the Bargaining Committee requires significant commitment. Those who are considering running for these positions need to consider the impact this 3-6 month time period will have on their personal lives. Bargaining Committee members will be away from home for extended periods of time and will be required to work in the operation when not in active bargaining. Members must uphold confidentiality and respect for the bargaining process
Feedback sessions will begin in June 2026, and negotiations will begin in October 2026. Bargaining Committee members must be aware that scheduled vacation time plotted October to December 2026 will need to be rescheduled due to the importance of the bargaining work to be completed.
Members of the committee will travel to other base cities for bargaining sessions, often for extended periods and sometimes with limited notice. Candidates should be prepared for long hours, intensive preparation, and an unpredictable schedule. Weekends, evenings, early mornings, and late nights should be expected at a standard rate of 8h pay/day at your regular dedicated role wage rate.
Bargaining Committee Composition
The Bargaining Committee for Local 531 will consist of the following members which are in compliance with our Local Union Bylaws as well as the language outlined in our current CBA in Union Release Time. Each of these representatives will hold voice and vote at the bargaining table
- President
- The Unit Chairs from each base (YVR, YYZ, YYC)
- 1 elected representative from each base (YVR, YYZ, YYC)
- The committee will also require one (1) elected alternate member from each base, exercising voice and vote ONLY in the absence of the primary representative.
Election Rules
- Nominations and elections for these base representatives will be conducted through the Simply Voting platform.
- The candidate receiving the highest number of votes in each base will become the primary representative for that base.
- The candidate receiving the second-highest number of votes will serve as the alternate.
- Each base will conduct its own separate nomination campaign and vote for its representative.
Nomination & Election Period Important Dates
Notice of Nomination and Election to Members - Saturday, March 7, 2026
Nomination Period Opens - Friday, March 13, 2026 – 7:00 PT / 8:00 MT / 10:00 ET
Nomination Period Closes - Monday, March 16, 2026 – 19:00 PT / 20:00 MT / 22:00 ET
Nomination Acceptance Period Opens - Immediately upon close of the Nomination Period (March 16)
Nomination Acceptance Period Closes - Wednesday, March 18, 2026 – 19:00 PT / 20:00 MT / 22:00 ET (also the deadline for photo and statement upload to Simply Voting)
Campaign Period - Begins once a candidate has accepted their nomination and receives approval from the Election Committee via Simply Voting. The campaign period closes at the end of the voting period noted below.
Voting Period Opens - Wednesday, March 25, 2026 – 07:00 PT / 08:00 MT / 10:00 ET
Voting Period Closes - Thursday, March 26, 2026 – 19:00 PT / 20:00 MT / 22:00 ET
Please look for your Simply Voting nomination credentials to be sent to your personal email upon commencement of the Nomination Period on Friday, March 13, 2026 7:00 PT / 8:00 MT / 10:00 ET.
Be sure to contact the Election Committee at @email if you do not receive them.