Labour Decision Against Air Canada

This is a quick update for those not tracking with us on social media. We released an update yesterday on a small group of Air Canada pilots (all affiliated with Free to Fly) who received a favourable decision in labour arbitration. Wins are few and far between these days so it seemed like a reasonable idea to pass it along.

I am thrilled these seven men (Colin Finlay, David Sibley, Aric Verduyn, Darren Tucker, Matthew Griffin, Christopher Olson, and Kale Haley) were able to bring glory to God throughout this arduous process. They gave powerful, Biblical reasons for the hope that is within them - the only true source of hope and light for our dark world!

Bravo Zulu for the tenacity and patience demonstrated by all who were part of any grievance. I know many of you had unwelcome outcomes, but your work was highly honourable and matters.

The full ruling against Air Canada (which includes portions of these pilots' testimonies) can be read here - an excellent read. Arbitrator James Hayes was blunt in his conclusion:

"Where arbitrators in some cases have struggled in assessing the sincerity of a religious objection, that is definitely not the situation here. All of the grievors testified honestly and the substantive nexus between their religious beliefs and objections to the employer mandatory vaccination policy was manifest."

I am aware of the thoughtful and important conversations around the pros and cons of exemptions within a mandate construct, and wrestled with some of this myself. I see it as a matter of personal conscience, and I reply to emails on the topic with much the same.

One further note, there are outstanding aspects to this particular grievance (as outlined in Hayes' conclusion), so the matter is not entirely closed.

Many will wonder if this affects our class action. While I am not qualified to give legal advice, my succinct layman's opinion is; 'not really'. Labour arbitration and civil court are two entirely different spheres with different underlying procedures, principles and precedent.

Speaking of our class action...

Class Action Update

Representative plaintiff affidavits were signed months ago and we were to have completed government cross examination last month. Unfortunately, we are once again subject to a government initiated delay. We are hoping to move on to cross examination in April, inching closer to certification hearings.

As we do, we have great need of funding and sincerely appreciate any and all donations. These can be done via e-transfer to info@freetofly.ca.

As always, thank you for your encouragement, support and tenacity.

Greg

“The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.” ~G.K. Chesterton