THE PILOTS OF ALPA ransitions are nothing of which is integrating a senger safety.” new to the pilots of communications process that Looking ahead, the CanJet TCanJet. In 2010, the engages the pilots. “We’re MEC is preparing for col- Halifax-based pilots elected eager to get started on this lective bargaining, which is a new Master Executive and a number of goals,” says set to begin in March 2012. Council (MEC) amidst one of Sirros, who has already begun “We are focused on making their busiest hiring periods working on several initia- sure our pilots familiarize in recent history, more tives to improve pilot unity. themselves with the existing than doubling the num- “Implementing more effec- contract,” Sirros says. “We ber of CanJet pilots tive communications tools is want our pilots to know that CanJet since their first contract a key priority for us.” they can reach out to the under ALPA representa- The MEC is wasting no MEC for help if they need it. If tion was signed in 2008. time leading efforts to jump- the MEC is not aware of what Pilots Looking The changes came on start an ambitious plan to is going on, then we cannot Forward to 2011 the heels of a challenging connect the ever-expanding help. I cannot stress how And Beyond phase that began 2 years pilot group, which flies out of important it is for our pilots ago. In 2009, the pilot group locations from Vancouver to to keep the MEC informed By Lynn Konwin, ALPA made international headlines Halifax. The MEC began with of situations encountered on Senior Communications after the flight crew of Flight a quarterly newsletter, The the line.” Mason agrees that Specialist 918, piloted by Capt. James CanJet Compass, and then “it’s important we recognize Murphy and F/O Glenn added monthly gatherings the value of learning from our for pilots and their families at past experiences.” locations near pilot domiciles. CanJet pilots became ALPA A biweekly “Payday Hotline” members in July 2006 and message also goes out to ratified their first collective the pilots to serve as a safety agreement in May 2008. The net for last-minute informa- 4-year agreement provides tion that needs to go out CanJet with job stability, en- on a time-driven basis. “We abling management to focus want to build our present full time on building CanJet committees and work with as Canada’s premier charter them to establish their roles airline. The airline operates within the MEC structure and an all-next-generation fleet of ensure that every one of our B-737-800s that increase fuel members has the opportunity efficiency and range while to be heard,” Sirros says. reducing noise and carbon In addition to the com- emissions. munications efforts, the With progress also comes CanJet MEC is actively challenge. The CanJet MEC is supporting the mission of currently working to resolve the ALPA Flight Time/Duty a scheduling grievance. F/O Adrian Griffiths, CanJet Johnson, successfully thwart- Time (FT/DT) Committee Establishing timely resolu- MEC secretary-treasurer, in ed an attempted hijacking. for Canada, chaired by tions to issues such as crew the cockpit of his B-737. With the tumultuous reper- Capt. Martin Gauthier (Air scheduling, base grievances, cussions of that event behind Transat). Griffiths serves and master seniority list them, the newly elected as a representative on this bidding will continue to be CanJet MEC leaders—Capt. Committee. “Flight-time/ priorities for the MEC as it CJA at a Glance Alex Sirros, the pilots’ MEC duty-time issues are not continues to chart a course chairman; Capt. Jon Mason, simply pilot concerns,” says for 2011. “CanJet pilots are Pilots Joined ALPA: 2006 Number of Pilots: 123 the vice chairman; and F/O Griffiths. “They affect every consistently hard workers, Operations: Provides subcon- Adrian Griffiths, the secretary- single person who steps often putting in long hours to tracting services to vacation treasurer—are looking for- aboard an airplane. We at provide the top-notch service charter airlines Pilot Base: Halifax, N.S. ward to 2011 and beyond. CanJet, along with other the passengers have come to Headquarters: Halifax, N.S. For 2011, the CanJet ALPA members, are proud to expect,” says Sirros. “At the Domiciles: Vancouver, MEC has already begun be making positive changes end of the day, our pilots have Toronto, Montreal Fleet: 11 B-737-800s taking steps to improve pilot for all airline pilots in Canada gone the extra mile to do the communications, the first and to further enhance pas- best job possible.” 24 Air Line Pilot January/February 2011 .