“Given the confusion over the application process, and members selecting the option “natural disaster”, please tell your members that when applying they are not to select the “natural disaster” option as they’ll be asked for a 16 digit code, which is not being provided. See the email below from Service Canada about why that reference code will not be issued.

Members will only need A00. A few members have done it this way and have not had issues applying.”
Ivana Saula
“Prior to the advent of claims automation, reference codes served as useful workload management and statistical information gathering tools. While reference codes provide access to applications for benefits that are tailored to specific situations, they do not result in faster claims processing. Most claims will automate almost immediately whether or not they were filed under a reference code.
In addition, the use of reference codes is limited to regular benefits only. As a result, clients applying for special benefits sickness (including quarantine), maternity and/or parental benefits would not be able to do so with a reference code.
For these reasons, it is the position of the department that reference codes will not be issued”

government of canada instructions

In the coming days and weeks, we can expect some of our IAM members within District 140 at Air Canada to be put on “Off-Duty Status”. The EFAP has compiled a list of helpful links to ease the stress of applying for the assistance you may need. Read Bulletin here…

We write to you on behalf of over 50,000 airline employees in Canada.
The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is taking an extraordinary toll on the lives of Canadians Read Letter here…

After significant deliberation, the decision has been made that the IAM must suspend all programs at the Winpisinger Education Centre at Placid Harbor: Hollywood, MD.
Winpisinger Centre suspends 2020 Programs Link

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE EI PROGRAM – This document will help you prepare your EI application and determine which other benefits you may be entitled to under the EI program. Read PDF here…

In the coming days and weeks, we can expect layoffs for some of our IAM members within District 140 at Air Canada. The EFAP has compiled a list of helpful links to ease the stress of applying for the assistance you may need. Read Bulletin here…

The attached documents were forwarded by Grand Lodge to all Local Lodges to help assist our Air Canada members who are being placed on Off-Duty status to access Employment Insurance.

EI- What You Need to Know.pdf

EI Sickness Benefits.pdf

general information poster

Service Canada website links:

https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/ei-regular-benefit.html

https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/ei-sickness.html

Some very valuable information from the Federal government that has direct personal relevance to most of you and our members.
Government’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan

On March 19th the General Chairpersons representing Air Canada TMOS, Finance and
Clerical bargaining unit members attended a much anticipated conference call with Air
Canada Labour Relations.

The IAMAW was officially notified of Air Canada’s intention to place a significant yet
unidentified number of TMOS members on Off-Duty Status as per Article 20.14 of the
Collective Agreement. This action is in response to the current COVID-19 health crisis and
the travel restriction decisions made by national governments – significantly reducing Air
Canada’s international, transborder and domestic network/destinations.  Read Bulletin here…

These are uncertain times. The COVID-19 health crisis and the state of emergency that has
been declared means we are operating in quickly changing circumstances that are hard to
predict. Making this more challenging is that clear direction from employers has proven difficult
to obtain. Read Bulletin here…

For mental health and general counseling concerns, we are still taking calls and providing referrals to
professionals. However, we are not aware if any Therapist has closed their office. If our members
encounter this situation, we will try to provide another Therapist that may be taking new patients.
Read Bulletin here…

George Kourpias guided the IAM through some of our union’s most challenging times with dignity and grace. As IAM International President from 1989-1997, he led his members through national strikes, fought back against relentless attacks on workers, and created more educational opportunities through the expansion of W3 Education and Technology Center.

Join a motorcycle ride from Surrey, Canada to Guide Dogs of America in Los Angeles
Approx. 1,700 mile motorcycle ride.
Information at this link…

Concerns centered on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) are very much on our minds, especially as we work with the travelling public and provide cleaning and maintenance on our aircraft. Like all new viruses, there is evolving research regarding transmission, infection and disease. Human to human transmission has been confirmed for COVID-19 and there is ongoing research on how easily the virus can be transmitted. Read Bulletin here…