Does anyone know what the MEC is actually trying to get out of the ULP?

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QKZXKV
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Re: Does anyone know what the MEC is actually trying to get out of the ULP?

Post by QKZXKV »

truedude wrote: Tue Jan 13, 2026 10:37 am
QKZXKV wrote: Tue Jan 13, 2026 10:21 am
truedude wrote: Mon Jan 12, 2026 10:17 pm

Rudder has offered lots of "advice" and all of it with an odd sense of self assured arrogance.

And of course they can't explain. I find it so odd how many people who don't work at Jazz, seem to be so adamant that we don't file a common employer. Their advice is apparently for us to just admit that the world is unfair and do nothing. That isn't what a union is for.

This is exactly the type of fight a union is designed to fight. The CIRB exists to hear these arguments for exactly this reason, even if they prefer to do nothing in the end. Common employer legislation exists for exactly this scenario, even if the threshold is high, and odds of success are low. But apparently we are to ignore all these things and do nothing because... I really don't understand.

We have nothing now. Jazz doesn't want to sit down and discuss solutions that actually cost anything. AC doesn't want to discuss solutions that cost anything. ACA has no reason to discuss anything. So what is it we lose by filing a s.35? That at the end of it we have nothing.... exactly what we have now?

We can argue all day if our long contract is good or bad, but in the end it is the reality we need to deal with. We don't have a wage opener until 2030, and then no requirement for them to actually offer anything then. So do we just do nothing until 2035, ignore ACs infractions and interference?

I really don't understand what these people expect us to do, along with all our own pilots advocating for change, with no real solid plan on how to achieve it.
Please correct me if I'm wrong, weren't you the vocal one on the forums in 2019 who bullied a lot of the pilots into thinking we needed to sign the 17 yr CPA to not upset AC? The same 17 yr CPA that others warned about having no language to hold AC accountable in that stretch of time?

The "no" voters warned about this kind of thing and now people like you now complain about having hands tied until 2035...

That's the problem here...
In 2019 I was very much against that agreement, and very vocal agaisnt it. I did say we needed to take the last one in, because there was no guarantee if we turned it down, AC would come back with more money. And since it didnt solve anything, and they haven't offered a cent since, I think it is safe to say they wouldn't have offered more.
Happy to stand corrected then
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PostmasterGeneral
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Re: Does anyone know what the MEC is actually trying to get out of the ULP?

Post by PostmasterGeneral »

AC doesn’t want to fix Jazz’ staffing issues. Jazz doesn’t want to fix Jazz’ staffing issues. They seem content to keep shrinking until there’s nothing left.

Then what?
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Re: Does anyone know what the MEC is actually trying to get out of the ULP?

Post by 1759 »

Start up another regional carrier at a much lower cost. That's what will happen.
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Re: Does anyone know what the MEC is actually trying to get out of the ULP?

Post by truedude »

PostmasterGeneral wrote: Tue Jan 13, 2026 1:29 pm AC doesn’t want to fix Jazz’ staffing issues. Jazz doesn’t want to fix Jazz’ staffing issues. They seem content to keep shrinking until there’s nothing left.

Then what?
Hence the common employer... it may not be a good card to play, but it's our only one.
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truedude
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Re: Does anyone know what the MEC is actually trying to get out of the ULP?

Post by truedude »

1759 wrote: Tue Jan 13, 2026 6:36 pm Start up another regional carrier at a much lower cost. That's what will happen.
Still a pilot problem... there aren't enough out there.
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thepoors
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Re: Does anyone know what the MEC is actually trying to get out of the ULP?

Post by thepoors »

truedude wrote: Tue Jan 13, 2026 11:34 pm
1759 wrote: Tue Jan 13, 2026 6:36 pm Start up another regional carrier at a much lower cost. That's what will happen.
Still a pilot problem... there aren't enough out there... That want to work under jazz wawcon.
Fixed that for you.
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Tony Soprano
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Re: Does anyone know what the MEC is actually trying to get out of the ULP?

Post by Tony Soprano »

truedude wrote: Sun Oct 26, 2025 7:34 pm And again, the application this time wont be the same as last time, as we have a mountain of evidence that AC directly interfered in our negotiations. The only people who don't want want to believe we have a strong case, are those that stand to be impacted.
truedude wrote: Tue Jan 13, 2026 11:33 pm Hence the common employer... it may not be a good card to play, but it's our only one.
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Re: Does anyone know what the MEC is actually trying to get out of the ULP?

Post by truedude »

thepoors wrote: Wed Jan 14, 2026 6:26 am
truedude wrote: Tue Jan 13, 2026 11:34 pm
1759 wrote: Tue Jan 13, 2026 6:36 pm Start up another regional carrier at a much lower cost. That's what will happen.
Still a pilot problem... there aren't enough out there... That want to work under jazz wawcon.
Fixed that for you.
Correct. But starting another regional that pays less isn't going to then fix anything, is it.
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truedude
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Re: Does anyone know what the MEC is actually trying to get out of the ULP?

Post by truedude »

Tony Soprano wrote: Wed Jan 14, 2026 7:05 am
truedude wrote: Sun Oct 26, 2025 7:34 pm And again, the application this time wont be the same as last time, as we have a mountain of evidence that AC directly interfered in our negotiations. The only people who don't want want to believe we have a strong case, are those that stand to be impacted.
truedude wrote: Tue Jan 13, 2026 11:33 pm Hence the common employer... it may not be a good card to play, but it's our only one.
Just because we have a strong case with good evidence as far as a s.35 goes, still doesn't make it a great option. I think everyone would rather Jazz and AC just deal with the issues headon and then we can all just move on.

But if they don't want to actually have a productive conversation, then we are left with one card to play, and we might as well play it before we have no cards to play and it is now 2035 with who knows what ACs intent for Jazz will be then.
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Re: Does anyone know what the MEC is actually trying to get out of the ULP?

Post by Cypresshill »

The chairman has no one left to negotiate anything with. He’s depised by a lot. Especially the ones from other parties who do the negotiating. So in a tantrum, or like Rudder said, waving his fists at the sky, he wants to litigate his points into existence. It’s an all-around loser tactic at this point.

Fire these clowns, drop the s35, and bring in a fresh team that other parties will be willing to to at least sit down and converse with.

Someone mentioned that a bunch of people would quit union work if the chairman is ousted or loses. Good riddance, Benedict Arnolds! Nice skills, Kens and Karens. Child-like mentality.
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truedude
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Re: Does anyone know what the MEC is actually trying to get out of the ULP?

Post by truedude »

Cypresshill wrote: Wed Jan 14, 2026 7:26 am The chairman has no one left to negotiate anything with. He’s depised by a lot. Especially the ones from other parties who do the negotiating. So in a tantrum, or like Rudder said, waving his fists at the sky, he wants to litigate his points into existence. It’s an all-around loser tactic at this point.

Fire these clowns, drop the s35, and bring in a fresh team that other parties will be willing to to at least sit down and converse with.

Someone mentioned that a bunch of people would quit union work if the chairman is ousted or loses. Good riddance, Benedict Arnolds! Nice skills, Kens and Karens. Child-like mentality.
I keep hearing he is despised, but I actually haven't met anyone thay despises him. That being said, his time has likely come to pass, simply because of the noise. But that doesnt mean we should be electing a guy who has made it personal, and literally voted in favor of everything that has been done, from the ULP to office renovations, and now pretends he is agaisnt it all. That isn't leadership or integrity. And not someone people will want to follow.

If you want solid volunteers, you need a person people respect, not someone who makes things personal and says whatever he thinks will accomplish his goal.
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Re: Does anyone know what the MEC is actually trying to get out of the ULP?

Post by gqra »

truedude wrote: Tue Jan 13, 2026 11:34 pm
1759 wrote: Tue Jan 13, 2026 6:36 pm Start up another regional carrier at a much lower cost. That's what will happen.
Still a pilot problem... there aren't enough out there.
From an AC management email to employees:

"Yesterday, we announced our intent to expand the commercial agreement under which PAL Airlines operates regional flights for Air Canada Express, helping us to protect and grow service in Eastern Canada. The proposed agreement will extend by an additional four years to 2032, and the number of PAL Airlines Dash 8-400 aircraft covered by the agreement is expected to grow by five, to 11."
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Re: Does anyone know what the MEC is actually trying to get out of the ULP?

Post by truedude »

gqra wrote: Wed Jan 14, 2026 9:57 am
truedude wrote: Tue Jan 13, 2026 11:34 pm
1759 wrote: Tue Jan 13, 2026 6:36 pm Start up another regional carrier at a much lower cost. That's what will happen.
Still a pilot problem... there aren't enough out there.
From an AC management email to employees:

"Yesterday, we announced our intent to expand the commercial agreement under which PAL Airlines operates regional flights for Air Canada Express, helping us to protect and grow service in Eastern Canada. The proposed agreement will extend by an additional four years to 2032, and the number of PAL Airlines Dash 8-400 aircraft covered by the agreement is expected to grow by five, to 11."
Key word, "expected." They have issues staffing what they have already, and will continue to see staffing issues as they ramp. Jazz pays better, better benefits, better everything. PAL has an advantage of a Halifax base, which has helped them some. So the issues aren't resolved at all. Fact of the matter is, in 2019 between the three regional cariers, there were over 150 plans flying for AC as regional feeders. Today that number is under 100 on paper, and under 90 actually being staffed. And no pilot should be celebrating, gloating, or otherwise happy that airlines continue to try to keep wages suppressed, because it keeps everyone's suppressed, while airlines like Porter will continue to grow and take market share.
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Re: Does anyone know what the MEC is actually trying to get out of the ULP?

Post by Canoehead »

Apparently Porter is closing their YQT and YHZ bases effective in May. Thread on the Porter forum eludes to lighter demand on E2 LGA flights. Guess it's not all sunshine and lollipops over there anymore either.

Any sunshine anywhere these days? I'm due for some.
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Re: Does anyone know what the MEC is actually trying to get out of the ULP?

Post by goingnowherefast »

Canoehead wrote: Wed Jan 14, 2026 4:07 pm Apparently Porter is closing their YQT and YHZ bases effective in May. Thread on the Porter forum eludes to lighter demand on E2 LGA flights. Guess it's not all sunshine and lollipops over there anymore either.

Any sunshine anywhere these days? I'm due for some.
Then we know how PAL is going to find the pilots for the CPA expansion. Reversal of fortunes between Porter and AC.

Jazz provided Porter with Embraer pilots. Now Porter providing PAL with Q400 pilots.
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Re: Does anyone know what the MEC is actually trying to get out of the ULP?

Post by Curious_pilot24 »

Canoehead wrote: Wed Jan 14, 2026 4:07 pm Apparently Porter is closing their YQT and YHZ bases effective in May. Thread on the Porter forum eludes to lighter demand on E2 LGA flights. Guess it's not all sunshine and lollipops over there anymore either.

Any sunshine anywhere these days? I'm due for some.
Will this affect their future hiring for the rest of 2026? Are they still going to go ahead with their march ground schools?
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Re: Does anyone know what the MEC is actually trying to get out of the ULP?

Post by goingnowherefast »

Curious_pilot24 wrote: Wed Jan 14, 2026 11:37 pm
Canoehead wrote: Wed Jan 14, 2026 4:07 pm Apparently Porter is closing their YQT and YHZ bases effective in May. Thread on the Porter forum eludes to lighter demand on E2 LGA flights. Guess it's not all sunshine and lollipops over there anymore either.

Any sunshine anywhere these days? I'm due for some.
Will this affect their future hiring for the rest of 2026? Are they still going to go ahead with their march ground schools?
Why would you want to work there after this? The expansion is obviously not going well.

The sunshine that Canoehead is looking for would be that PAL is getting 5 more Q400s, almost doubling their AC flying. If one is from the east coast, that's fantastic news. If you're an YHZ Porter Q400 pilot, you'll be able to find a reasonable job pretty quick.
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Re: Does anyone know what the MEC is actually trying to get out of the ULP?

Post by rudder »

truedude wrote: Wed Jan 14, 2026 10:24 am
gqra wrote: Wed Jan 14, 2026 9:57 am
truedude wrote: Tue Jan 13, 2026 11:34 pm

Still a pilot problem... there aren't enough out there.
From an AC management email to employees:

"Yesterday, we announced our intent to expand the commercial agreement under which PAL Airlines operates regional flights for Air Canada Express, helping us to protect and grow service in Eastern Canada. The proposed agreement will extend by an additional four years to 2032, and the number of PAL Airlines Dash 8-400 aircraft covered by the agreement is expected to grow by five, to 11."
Key word, "expected." They have issues staffing what they have already, and will continue to see staffing issues as they ramp. Jazz pays better, better benefits, better everything. PAL has an advantage of a Halifax base, which has helped them some. So the issues aren't resolved at all. Fact of the matter is, in 2019 between the three regional cariers, there were over 150 plans flying for AC as regional feeders. Today that number is under 100 on paper, and under 90 actually being staffed. And no pilot should be celebrating, gloating, or otherwise happy that airlines continue to try to keep wages suppressed, because it keeps everyone's suppressed, while airlines like Porter will continue to grow and take market share.
A reminder to the affected parties that JAZ ALPA cannot grieve the CPA. They are not a party to the CPA.

The only referenced CPA information that lives in the JAZ ALPA CBA is the minimum block hours and fleet. As of 2026 that minimum fleet guarantee for Jazz is 80 76 seat airframes. It would appear based on the most recent AC MD&A and the recent AC/PAL letter of intent that the Express fleet operated by Jazz will be trending towards 80 by year end. Neither party provides public guidance on block hours so I presume that information might be available confidentially to the JAZ MEC through Jazz.

So, the Jazz pilots basically find themselves exactly where the CBA predicted. That should not come as a surprise.

The PAL announcement makes it clear that AC will continue to diversify and supplement Express capacity where necessary - and by implication - CHR is fine with it.

Is it a breach of the JAZ ALPA CBA? No. Is it a breach of the CPA? Perhaps, but only if CHR asserts that it is. Effectively, PAL is trending towards becoming the next SKV (operating Q400’s). So what was given in goodwill regarding the absorption of the former GGN and SKV pilots appears for not. That is regrettable but can be added to a litany of disappointments for the Jazz pilots. If the JAZ MEC can find a basis of breach of the CBA, then it should be pursued via grievance/arbitration (per the CIRB).

There is no sustained ULP (per the CIRB).

I don’t believe than an s35 petition will yield a declaration. But the choice to file is up to the Jazz pilots through their elected representation and with the concurrence of the National union. I would add with advice of counsel but that advice yielded no beneficial result in the ULP petition so one can reasonably question the advice being given. One must understand that lawyers make argument based on the facts and based on the applicable statute or law. And many decades of CIRB decisions make it clear that the CIRB exercises discretion so there is really no such thing as black and white as far as the CIRB is concerned.

It is more and more obvious that AC has a revised commercial plan. It expands mainline/Rouge back on to many Express city pairs. It plugs the hole in Express capacity that Jazz is unable to fill (representing capacity required beyond the CPA minimum guarantee) using a combination of mainline and PAL. It is not good news for the Jazz pilots. But it is not a breach of the CBA. And it is probably not incremental evidence to sustain an s35 petition (there are no ‘follow the work’ issues as it represents excess work beyond CPA/CBA guarantees and there is no calculable harm to current Jazz pilots as there are no downgrades and no delayed upgrade opportunities).

I concur with Bede’s recommendation that Jazz pilots (and prospective Jazz pilots) make career decisions based on how things are actually unfolding and not on hopeful outcomes that are less than certain. The good news is that Jazz will probably continue to operate a fleet of 80 76 seat aircraft for AC under the Express banner until 2035. The bad news is that is entirely contingent on Jazz being able to meet its commercial obligations as provided for in the CPA which by public pronouncement remains a challenge. Perhaps the 2026 low bar of 80 aircraft will mitigate the pilot staffing challenges but that remains to be seen. Regardless, any failure by Jazz to meet CPA obligations will likely not be translated by the CIRB into the ability for the Jazz pilots to bargain directly with AC.

https://www.aircanada.com/media/air-can ... -airlines/

https://www.wingsmagazine.com/air-canad ... -airlines/
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Re: Does anyone know what the MEC is actually trying to get out of the ULP?

Post by Nick678 »

Did the union blunder the exclusivity clause? When I read the original announcement I was under the impression that the union had secured exclusivity not Jazz.

S.35 application should be submitted yesterday. The union can afford million dollar Renos it can pay some lawyer fees. This is setting a ridiculous example of what companies can get away with.

Surprising that Claude hasn't stepped down yet. Any other Chair would.
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Re: Does anyone know what the MEC is actually trying to get out of the ULP?

Post by PostmasterGeneral »

CB wont step down until he’s forced to. Zero self awareness.
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Re: Does anyone know what the MEC is actually trying to get out of the ULP?

Post by cdnavater »

rudder wrote: Thu Jan 15, 2026 8:48 am
truedude wrote: Wed Jan 14, 2026 10:24 am
gqra wrote: Wed Jan 14, 2026 9:57 am

From an AC management email to employees:

"Yesterday, we announced our intent to expand the commercial agreement under which PAL Airlines operates regional flights for Air Canada Express, helping us to protect and grow service in Eastern Canada. The proposed agreement will extend by an additional four years to 2032, and the number of PAL Airlines Dash 8-400 aircraft covered by the agreement is expected to grow by five, to 11."
Key word, "expected." They have issues staffing what they have already, and will continue to see staffing issues as they ramp. Jazz pays better, better benefits, better everything. PAL has an advantage of a Halifax base, which has helped them some. So the issues aren't resolved at all. Fact of the matter is, in 2019 between the three regional cariers, there were over 150 plans flying for AC as regional feeders. Today that number is under 100 on paper, and under 90 actually being staffed. And no pilot should be celebrating, gloating, or otherwise happy that airlines continue to try to keep wages suppressed, because it keeps everyone's suppressed, while airlines like Porter will continue to grow and take market share.
A reminder to the affected parties that JAZ ALPA cannot grieve the CPA. They are not a party to the CPA.

The only referenced CPA information that lives in the JAZ ALPA CBA is the minimum block hours and fleet. As of 2026 that minimum fleet guarantee for Jazz is 80 76 seat airframes. It would appear based on the most recent AC MD&A and the recent AC/PAL letter of intent that the Express fleet operated by Jazz will be trending towards 80 by year end. Neither party provides public guidance on block hours so I presume that information might be available confidentially to the JAZ MEC through Jazz.

So, the Jazz pilots basically find themselves exactly where the CBA predicted. That should not come as a surprise.

The PAL announcement makes it clear that AC will continue to diversify and supplement Express capacity where necessary - and by implication - CHR is fine with it.

Is it a breach of the JAZ ALPA CBA? No. Is it a breach of the CPA? Perhaps, but only if CHR asserts that it is. Effectively, PAL is trending towards becoming the next SKV (operating Q400’s). So what was given in goodwill regarding the absorption of the former GGN and SKV pilots appears for not. That is regrettable but can be added to a litany of disappointments for the Jazz pilots. If the JAZ MEC can find a basis of breach of the CBA, then it should be pursued via grievance/arbitration (per the CIRB).

There is no sustained ULP (per the CIRB).

I don’t believe than an s35 petition will yield a declaration. But the choice to file is up to the Jazz pilots through their elected representation and with the concurrence of the National union. I would add with advice of counsel but that advice yielded no beneficial result in the ULP petition so one can reasonably question the advice being given. One must understand that lawyers make argument based on the facts and based on the applicable statute or law. And many decades of CIRB decisions make it clear that the CIRB exercises discretion so there is really no such thing as black and white as far as the CIRB is concerned.

It is more and more obvious that AC has a revised commercial plan. It expands mainline/Rouge back on to many Express city pairs. It plugs the hole in Express capacity that Jazz is unable to fill (representing capacity required beyond the CPA minimum guarantee) using a combination of mainline and PAL. It is not good news for the Jazz pilots. But it is not a breach of the CBA. And it is probably not incremental evidence to sustain an s35 petition (there are no ‘follow the work’ issues as it represents excess work beyond CPA/CBA guarantees and there is no calculable harm to current Jazz pilots as there are no downgrades and no delayed upgrade opportunities).

I concur with Bede’s recommendation that Jazz pilots (and prospective Jazz pilots) make career decisions based on how things are actually unfolding and not on hopeful outcomes that are less than certain. The good news is that Jazz will probably continue to operate a fleet of 80 76 seat aircraft for AC under the Express banner until 2035. The bad news is that is entirely contingent on Jazz being able to meet its commercial obligations as provided for in the CPA which by public pronouncement remains a challenge. Perhaps the 2026 low bar of 80 aircraft will mitigate the pilot staffing challenges but that remains to be seen. Regardless, any failure by Jazz to meet CPA obligations will likely not be translated by the CIRB into the ability for the Jazz pilots to bargain directly with AC.

https://www.aircanada.com/media/air-can ... -airlines/

https://www.wingsmagazine.com/air-canad ... -airlines/
It has been mentioned that there was an agreement between the parties to the exclusivity, quid pro quo from the union in exchange for this. The fact that it is baked in the CPA should not matter. I’m sure there are detailed minutes of the meetings where this was discussed, keeping in mind I’m not a lawyer but to me if it was discussed where the union agrees to the extension and absorbing the other pilot groups we could secure exclusive tier two flying, it should be enforceable from any party to those discussions.
Honestly, it is a complete failure that it was not in the CBA as scope, if it were, much easier to defend but to outright dismiss it without knowing if there is something in writing is ignorance, fact is you don’t know was was or wasn’t said in those meetings.
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Re: Does anyone know what the MEC is actually trying to get out of the ULP?

Post by Cypresshill »

Dear fellow commrad—I mean colleagues,

My name is Rory Trueman, and I am putting my name forward to be your next MEC chair. I am a YVR based LTC Q400 Captain, hired by Jazz in 2008.

As your future MEC chair, I can promise frequent and robust communication, with words and parts of sentences in bold for seemingly no reason. I simply can’t trust the good judgment of my fellow pilots to be able to discern on their own what is and isn’t important in my communications.

In these frequent—and occasionally bold—communications, I will be sure to give you my unfiltered opinions on complex matters—often prior to being briefed by legal. Understanding, or attempting to communicate nuance, is simply too burdensome when empty rhetoric is far more useful—at least when attempting to rile up the pilot group for my own ends.

I may even fail to inform the pilots that Officers of the MEC takes direction from the eight LEC members that form the executive, requiring a majority vote before complex matters or expensive purchases can move forward. Issues like the ULP, which was voted on unanimously by the then eight members. Or the much talked about Lincoln Aviator—which I look forward to having use off in the not-so-distant future.

I believe that Jazz pilots both deserve and require an improvement in working conditions. This is why—even though we don’t have an opener involving monetary gains until 2029—I will negotiate these improvements. I will negotiate them whether any of the other parties wants to join me at the negotiations table or not—it is my understanding that the other parties do not. But no matter, I shall negotiate these improvements anyways, on my own—although admittingly, enforcement of these improvements may be tricky.

I will also strive to ensure the relationship between Jazz pilots, the company, along with other parties, is friendly and on good terms; I believe having an MEC chair that the company likes is more important than enforcing our contract or using all the tools available to grieve violations. And I certainly won’t wait to hear from legal before making my decisions. If our past is any indication of future behavior, it has clearly been shown that our employer will adhere to their agreements, even when it becomes burdensome to do so, so long as we remain pleasant and easy to work with.

Much has been discussed lately about unity. And I too believe we should have unity… Even if it requires browbeating anyone who objects into compliance—particularly newly elected LEC reps. And if I can’t find unity that way, I will ensure I am so insufferable to work with that everyone will resign, allowing me to surround myself with agreeable and pliable sycophants. And until this objective of unity is reached, I will ensure it dominates all meetings moving forward, allowing no real work to be accomplished until we have achieved said unity.

I understand that the pilot group wants change. And I represent that change. It might not be the best change, or change you can or should believe in. But it will be change, I promise you that. So talk to your LEC representatives, tell them to vote Rory Trueman for MEC chair. Together, we will make Jazz the company it once was, that it can be again. Unless I don’t, at which point I will be sure to take no personal responsibility, and blame everything and everyone else for these failures. Because obviously it won’t be because of anything I did.

Some may question whether my lack of union participation makes me qualified to hold the top position. To this I answer, at least I know how many people are required for quorum in an effort to recall the officers of the MEC.

In closing, (and take this part seriously) everyone should be asking questions of their LEC reps, and those running. When someone advocates for unity, look at the track records and see if their actions align with their rhetoric. When someone preaches lofty idealism, and blue sky promises, ask how they intend to accomplish this—and ensure the answers aren’t just more empty propaganda. And perhaps consider asking your LEC to vote for people who will still be here to live through the consequences of whatever occurs over the next two years.

Unity does not mean consensus. All the options should be robustly debated, with everyone feeling comfortable speaking their opinions. Unity comes after a decision has been made by a majority vote, and we move forward together as a group. Outwardly, we show a single unified group—even if debate continues behind the scenes. Any fractures in our solidarity will be exploited and used against us, which weakens us all. Once a quarterback has picked a play, the team executes the play; if everyone starts running around doing their own thing, the only result guaranteed is failure.

And as much as we are all frustrated by the lack of movement seen over the last few years in keeping pace with the basic economic realities of the pilot market in Canada; and the disparity that continues to grow with our regional colleagues south of the boarder, we must remain pragmatic about our unique position as a CPA carrier. It is beyond disparaging to see just how far we have fallen from our 2019 flying levels; and as much as we may all long for a return to those days, the sad reality is that our employer, and CPA partner, may be content to just limp along for the foreseeable future. To that end, it is incumbent of a union to try and create leverage, to create opportunities to meet, discuss, and explore all available options—and maybe, together, create new ones. Even if it ruffles some feathers.

This may end up being the most consequential MEC election in my eighteen years here at Jazz. So, it is important that everyone participates, ask questions, and most of all, check to see if the rhetoric aligns with past actions—or in some cases, match their past voting record. Union business used to be dull and boring. Let’s strive to make it boring once more.

In solidarity,

Capt. Rory Trueman


Total idiot.
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genetic jack hammer
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Re: Does anyone know what the MEC is actually trying to get out of the ULP?

Post by genetic jack hammer »

Cypresshill wrote: Thu Jan 22, 2026 6:22 am Dear fellow commrad—I mean colleagues,

My name is Rory Trueman, and I am putting my name forward to be your next MEC chair. I am a YVR based LTC Q400 Captain, hired by Jazz in 2008.

As your future MEC chair, I can promise frequent and robust communication, with words and parts of sentences in bold for seemingly no reason. I simply can’t trust the good judgment of my fellow pilots to be able to discern on their own what is and isn’t important in my communications.

In these frequent—and occasionally bold—communications, I will be sure to give you my unfiltered opinions on complex matters—often prior to being briefed by legal. Understanding, or attempting to communicate nuance, is simply too burdensome when empty rhetoric is far more useful—at least when attempting to rile up the pilot group for my own ends.

I may even fail to inform the pilots that Officers of the MEC takes direction from the eight LEC members that form the executive, requiring a majority vote before complex matters or expensive purchases can move forward. Issues like the ULP, which was voted on unanimously by the then eight members. Or the much talked about Lincoln Aviator—which I look forward to having use off in the not-so-distant future.

I believe that Jazz pilots both deserve and require an improvement in working conditions. This is why—even though we don’t have an opener involving monetary gains until 2029—I will negotiate these improvements. I will negotiate them whether any of the other parties wants to join me at the negotiations table or not—it is my understanding that the other parties do not. But no matter, I shall negotiate these improvements anyways, on my own—although admittingly, enforcement of these improvements may be tricky.

I will also strive to ensure the relationship between Jazz pilots, the company, along with other parties, is friendly and on good terms; I believe having an MEC chair that the company likes is more important than enforcing our contract or using all the tools available to grieve violations. And I certainly won’t wait to hear from legal before making my decisions. If our past is any indication of future behavior, it has clearly been shown that our employer will adhere to their agreements, even when it becomes burdensome to do so, so long as we remain pleasant and easy to work with.

Much has been discussed lately about unity. And I too believe we should have unity… Even if it requires browbeating anyone who objects into compliance—particularly newly elected LEC reps. And if I can’t find unity that way, I will ensure I am so insufferable to work with that everyone will resign, allowing me to surround myself with agreeable and pliable sycophants. And until this objective of unity is reached, I will ensure it dominates all meetings moving forward, allowing no real work to be accomplished until we have achieved said unity.

I understand that the pilot group wants change. And I represent that change. It might not be the best change, or change you can or should believe in. But it will be change, I promise you that. So talk to your LEC representatives, tell them to vote Rory Trueman for MEC chair. Together, we will make Jazz the company it once was, that it can be again. Unless I don’t, at which point I will be sure to take no personal responsibility, and blame everything and everyone else for these failures. Because obviously it won’t be because of anything I did.

Some may question whether my lack of union participation makes me qualified to hold the top position. To this I answer, at least I know how many people are required for quorum in an effort to recall the officers of the MEC.

In closing, (and take this part seriously) everyone should be asking questions of their LEC reps, and those running. When someone advocates for unity, look at the track records and see if their actions align with their rhetoric. When someone preaches lofty idealism, and blue sky promises, ask how they intend to accomplish this—and ensure the answers aren’t just more empty propaganda. And perhaps consider asking your LEC to vote for people who will still be here to live through the consequences of whatever occurs over the next two years.

Unity does not mean consensus. All the options should be robustly debated, with everyone feeling comfortable speaking their opinions. Unity comes after a decision has been made by a majority vote, and we move forward together as a group. Outwardly, we show a single unified group—even if debate continues behind the scenes. Any fractures in our solidarity will be exploited and used against us, which weakens us all. Once a quarterback has picked a play, the team executes the play; if everyone starts running around doing their own thing, the only result guaranteed is failure.

And as much as we are all frustrated by the lack of movement seen over the last few years in keeping pace with the basic economic realities of the pilot market in Canada; and the disparity that continues to grow with our regional colleagues south of the boarder, we must remain pragmatic about our unique position as a CPA carrier. It is beyond disparaging to see just how far we have fallen from our 2019 flying levels; and as much as we may all long for a return to those days, the sad reality is that our employer, and CPA partner, may be content to just limp along for the foreseeable future. To that end, it is incumbent of a union to try and create leverage, to create opportunities to meet, discuss, and explore all available options—and maybe, together, create new ones. Even if it ruffles some feathers.

This may end up being the most consequential MEC election in my eighteen years here at Jazz. So, it is important that everyone participates, ask questions, and most of all, check to see if the rhetoric aligns with past actions—or in some cases, match their past voting record. Union business used to be dull and boring. Let’s strive to make it boring once more.

In solidarity,

Capt. Rory Trueman


Total idiot.
Thoughts, truedude?
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Fowler
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Re: Does anyone know what the MEC is actually trying to get out of the ULP?

Post by Fowler »

What in the hell was that? Great way to make a fool of yourself nationally to the pilots and to management.
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Cypresshill
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Re: Does anyone know what the MEC is actually trying to get out of the ULP?

Post by Cypresshill »

If this was composed during a drinking binge that would be bad enough. But if this was composed while being sober, it’s even worse.
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