YYC Union Office Grand Opening Marks a Major Milestone for Local 531

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On May 27, we officially opened the doors to our brand-new Unifor Local 531 office at the YYC airport and what a memorable celebration it was! Thank you to all who joined us including over 200 of our dedicated members, WestJet leaders, and Unifor National staff. This office is a testament to the hard work and strength of our members and Executive Board leaders.  We know many members have felt disconnected from the union over the past few years. This office is a long-overdue and necessary step in ensuring we are visible, approachable, and present to the members at our largest base.

A very special thank you goes out to the team who made the event and this office possible, including Local 531 President Karen Berry, Secretary-Treasurer Mark Enns, YYC Unit Chair Sherwin Antonio, and YYC Trustee, Jagreet Sandhu. Your planning, organizing, and dedication to our members brought this important project to life.


As President Karen Berry shared in her remarks:

“Having a union office in YYC is about more than just having a physical space. It’s about being present and accessible to the 910 members we represent at the airport. It creates a space where members can get support, ask questions, and know that their union is here for them, right in their workplace. I believe this will strengthen our relationships, build trust, and help us stay connected to the day-to-day operations in our workplace.”


Mark Enns, Secretary Treasurer of Local 531 noted that the new office symbolizes our commitment to visibility, access, and continued growth. 

“Opening this office in YYC marks a big milestone for us. The last two and a half years have been full of challenges. We have built a new local from the ground up, navigated uncertainty, and pushed through our inexperience with dedication and commitment to our members. This office represents the progress we’ve made, the dedication of the Local's Executive Board, and the visibility we desperately needed. It feels like a turning point for our local union.”


The response from our members has been overwhelmingly positive.  "It feels good to finally have a space that belongs to us—a place we can go to ask questions or connect with a union rep about workplace issues,” one member shared. “It’s been hard to see a rep in person regularly, and this changes that.”  Another said, “It’s so nice to have union support on a more regular basis right in the workplace. ”

During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Karen Berry, President of Local 531 dedicated the office to all of the members.  This space was built for you and we are committed to building a stronger presence at the airport. With the recent election of 20 workplace representatives in YYC, this office will be a busy place!

Thank you again to everyone who celebrated this moment with us. We look forward to welcoming you into your new union office soon. Please reach out to YYC Unit Chair, Sherwin Antonio if you would like to set up a time to meet him in the office.  

Unifor Member Jagreet standing infront of a table and unifor red flag
Three Unifor Local 531 members stand together
Unifor President Karen Berry stands with Unifor National Staff Len, Guy and Guy with Sherwin and Mark.
Local 531 Ramp Service Agents with Karen and Mark
Karen and Sherwin with Local 531 members
Local EB with members
Local 531 members at the YYC Airport in front of a table of food.
Local 531 Women Members
Local 531 President and Secretary Treasurer with Gavin, Guy and Len from Unifor National