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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.
Only YVR members are eligible to vote in this election.
Union elections are one of the most important ways members can influence the direction of our Local. As you review each candidate, we encourage you to look beyond campaign promises and consider their track record and involvement within the union. Ask yourself:
- Have they been active and engaged at membership meetings or union events?
- Have they demonstrated their ability and commitment to representing and supporting fellow members?
- Do they have a union history of collaboration, professionalism, and accountability?
- Are their campaign statements backed by actions or results?
- Do they understand our collective agreement, our bylaws, the National Constitution, our workplace, and the challenges we face?
Choosing strong, informed, and dedicated leadership is essential to our continued progress. Your vote helps ensure that Local 531 remains member-driven, transparent, and focused on protecting and advancing the rights of all WestJetters.
We encourage every member to take the time to learn about the candidates, ask questions, and participate in the voting process. Together, we will shape the next chapter of our Local’s success. For more information about the election process, please visit our webpage by clicking on this link.
(Click on the + sign to expand the candidates statements and scroll down the page to view the candidate photos).
Breanne Laihow - Unifor Local 531 YVR Unit Chair and YVR GSL
October marks fifteen years since I first joined WestJet — fifteen years of growth, change, and constant dedication to our workplace and one another. From my first day to today, my focus has never wavered: to prioritize the needs of our people and ensure that every member’s voice is heard, respected, and protected.
In 2021, alongside a group of passionate coworkers, I helped organize and certify our base with Unifor. That moment changed everything — it gave us a collective voice. I was proud to be elected by my peers to join the bargaining committee, where we opened negotiations in October 2021. Together, we stood strong through a strike vote in July 2022 and ratified our first Collective Bargaining Agreement later that same month.
Shortly after, in September 2022, I was elected as your YVR Unit Chair (then known as District Chair). From the organizing drive to our first agreement, my commitment to our members has remained steadfast.
Over the years, I’ve continued to expand my knowledge and skills through Unifor training opportunities, including courses in Women’s Advocacy, Conflict Resolution, Executive Board operations, and Human Rights, as well as participating in numerous webinars, summits, and councils. This ongoing education allows me to bring stronger advocacy, better understanding, and broader resources to support our members every single day.
During our first round of bargaining, we achieved several groundbreaking wins that continue to make a difference every day. ALL breaks paid, this was a significant improvement we fought hard to secure and one that sets a new standard in our workplace. Breastfeeding and return-to-work language — ensuring federal laws are upheld and that new parents are supported with dignity and clarity when returning to work. Improved pay structure for the AO band — experience now translates into fair and transparent compensation through a tenured pay step, replacing the outdated $1 premium system. These achievements were not easy — but they were worth every conversation, every stand, and every late-night reviewing proposals.
Beyond bargaining, I’ve remained deeply involved in supporting members through the daily challenges of our workplace. Since 2022, I’ve represented and supported members in more than 250 member / company meetings, covering a range of issues including tasking errors, conduct, and reliability, to name a few. I take time to connect with each member beforehand — through phone calls, texts, or emails — to ensure they feel prepared and supported. Members regularly express that they feel seen, heard, and supported through these interactions — and that’s what matters most to me.
Together, we’ve also seen results. I’ve worked on two wrongful dismissal disputes where members were successfully reinstated, as well as several disciplinary cases that were reduced or overturned, resulting in restored records and compensation. Through these experiences, we’ve built stronger labour-management relationships and created pathways for fairer, faster resolutions at both informal and grievance levels.
If re-elected, I will continue to use my experience as both Unit Chair and bargaining committee member to strengthen our working conditions and compensation. Our first Collective Bargaining Agreement gave us a foundation — but we all know it’s not perfect. Over the past three years, we’ve tracked its gaps and listened closely to members’ concerns. Those lessons will guide us in our next round of bargaining and in every decision we make together.
I remain committed to keeping open lines of communication, being accessible to members, and ensuring your experiences drive our collective priorities. This Local belongs to all of us, and your voice will always shape our path forward.
On a personal note, there’s never a good time to get sick — and truthfully, balancing personal health challenges while serving in this role has been one of the hardest things I’ve faced. But it has also reinforced why I do this work. Living through the very gaps we fight to fix has only deepened my commitment to ensuring every member receives fair and equal support, benefits, and protection. I was proud to continue working through surgeries and treatments because this role and the work we do matter deeply to me.
Serving as your YVR Unit Chairperson has been the honour of my career. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together — and I’m energized by what lies ahead.
To every member: thank you for your trust, your courage, and your solidarity. Please take the time to vote, to be heard, and to keep shaping the workplace we all deserve. This is your Local — and I promise to keep using my voice for you.
In solidarity,
Breanne Laihow
Candidate for Re-Election, YVR Unit Chairperson
Unifor Local 531
Heather Benson - Unifor Local 531 Workplace Representative and YVR Guest Service Lead
My name is Heather Benson, and I am proud to serve as a GSL at WestJet YVR. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working in multiple relief roles, including Baggage, IC and GSM, which has given me a deep understanding of the diverse challenges and strengths across our operation. Before joining WestJet, I worked in Human Resources at Fraser Health, where I managed staff within a unionized environment. That experience strengthened my commitment to fair representation, clear communication, and building supportive workplaces. As your Unit Chair, my goal would be to champion the needs of our union members — doing my best in ensuring voices are heard, concerns are addressed, and every team member feels valued. I believe that unity, respect, and collaboration are the keys to our collective success. Together, we can continue to build a workplace where people feel empowered, respected, and proud to be part of WestJet YVR. Let’s move forward — together.
Breanne Laihow
Unifor Local 531 YVR Unit Chair
YVR Guest Service Lead
Heather Benson
YVR Union Workplace Representative
Guest Service Lead