On May 17, 2021, PIPSC resolved our policy grievance with NAV CANADA.
Contrary to their initial position, they have now agreed that all future layoffs at NAV CANADA will be in order of seniority among the employees in the same occupational group and level, and with a similar job description within the same unit. Employees with the least seniority will be laid off first.
The term “occupational group” refers to CS, EN, PC, PG, ES, SI and so on. “Unit” is defined as the management level above the employee’s direct manager. NAV CANADA will look at whether a more senior employee is able to perform the work, has the necessary qualifications, or is willing to undergo training.
This agreement will be included in a letter of understanding set to expire at the end of your current collective agreement. NAV CANADA has also agreed to incorporate the intention of this agreement into the next collective agreement in the next round of bargaining.
Background
On or about September 22, 2020, a number of PIPSC members received layoff notices from NAV CANADA, citing the impact of COVID-19 on the aviation industry as the cause.
Prior to sending the layoff notices, NAV CANADA advised PIPSC of the methodology it would use to identify surplus positions, and explained how it would apply seniority. PIPSC disagreed with NAV CANADA's position. After much discussion and despite our efforts, NAV CANADA maintained its position.
As a result, PIPSC filed a policy grievance on the implementation of the layoffs in order to obtain a more favourable application of seniority in future situations of workforce reductions.
On May 17, 2021, PIPSC resolved our policy grievance with NAV CANADA.
PIPSC will continue to work with NAV CANADA and other unions to prevent future layoffs. We are lobbying key decision-makers at the federal level and working with other unions to demand long-term investment in the air travel industry in order to recover from the pandemic.