Bulletin
AVIS – WorkShare and Site Consolidations – April 6, 2020
April 6, 2020
To: All MoveUP members at Avis
As we all work our way through the COVID-19 pandemic, we can all see how fast the world and the workplace are changing.
At Avis this has meant some significant alterations both in terms of the operations and the labour relations process. Your Union’s preference is to take measured approaches to proposals, including consultations with members through the Job Stewards and particularly when the proposed changes are significant. Unfortunately, many of the changes we are being asked to consider require prompt action as the business continues to decline.
Members have had many questions regarding the WorkShare program. The Canadian government has recently made changes to the WorkShare program and they have made it clear that their preference is that employers try to retain as many employees as possible during this situation. They have provided financial incentives to employers to encourage this practice. To date, Avis is the only car rental agency at YVR to offer WorkShare. Your Union can confirm that we have signed the application for WorkShare as we are required to do, and the application has been submitted to the government. We have been advised that the process for applying has been streamlined and that there is unfortunately a significant backlog of applications. As we receive more information, we will pass it along as soon as we can.
MoveUP learned earlier this week that Avis plans to consolidate the Avis and Budget QTA’s and return lanes. Again, limited advance warning was provided. Legal advice to MoveUP says that AvisBudget has the right to consolidate its operations and doing so is consistent with your Union’s position that Avis and Budget are a single employer. The consolidations will no doubt create some unique situations beyond what we have already seen. Members may be asked to do work that they have not done before. As questions arise, please ask one of your Job Stewards or Shawn at the MoveUP office. Your Union is currently dealing with a significant backlog of questions so your patience in receiving a response is appreciated.
Finally, please raise any safety concerns that you may have directly with a manager. As we all work together to be in a safe environment, issues relating to safety need to be raised quickly and directly.
In solidarity,
Shawn Lakusta, Union Representative
Christy Slusarenko, Vice-President of Combined Units