UNITE HERE members working at Cara Airline Solutions, known as the “Flight Kitchen” in Richmond, recently ratified one of the best collective agreements in the history of this certification that goes back more than 50 years. After reaching an initial tentative agreement that the food service workers rejected, Local 40 president Jim Pearson and the Cara Bargaining Committee decided this year’s negotiations had to take a different approach. “There have been some long standing issues at the flight kitchen that deserved to be tackled in a different way,” said Pearson, chief spokesperson for the negotiations. Using the Service Workers RISING! program, the union members at Cara were armed with the tools they needed to let their employers know they deserved better than what was outlined in the rejected offer, and they went to work to fight for what they deserved. Through participating in union meetings and workplace surveys, the membership from all departments gathered together and presented a petition to management, signed by a majority of the food service workers, outlining their commitment to work with the company to achieve an agreement that would allow the company to grow and prosper and at the same time provide decent wages and benefits that they can live on and raise their families. They showed their solidarity and support for each other by “buttoning up” – everybody at the workplace wore “United for a Fair Wage” stickers on their uniforms. They attended bargaining sessions and spoke out, letting their employers know about how their working conditions affected them. Workers like Joyce, who has worked for 18 years at Cara, said, “We think what we are fighting for is fair for the companies and our families. What you guys will be giving us is worth paying for. I hope and look forward to you giving us a chance and listen to us this time.” Mike, who has worked 26 years as a dispatcher, said, “You asked us to help when Air Canada was in trouble and we sacrificed to help. The last contract was unfair. You are making money, Air Canada is making money, please give us a chance to make some more money. Deep inside, you know.” Daisy, a worker in the tray assembly department for 16 years said, “It’s hard to keep new hires – it’s a waste of my time and the company time to help train them. They don’t stay cause you don’t pay them enough.” After marathon bargaining sessions that extended into the night, the bargaining committee came away with an agreement featuring 12% wage increases, benefit increases, night shift premium increases and contract language modifications that benefits the union members at Cara. Through sticking together and showing their solidarity, understanding and support of one another, and realizing the power they had when they all stick together, the membership at Cara achieved an agreement they are proud of. The three-year agreement has already kicked in and members have received their first paycheques with their raises. | 
