Hertz – Update

We hope you are all doing as well as possible in these difficult times.

Your Union wanted to take this opportunity to address a couple of issues.

We have continued to be in contact with Hertz management seeking updates on the impacts of both COVID-19 and the bankruptcy protection application.

In terms of the bankruptcy, there are no updates available other than the information that has been provided publicly.  Hertz continues to work on restructuring to make themselves attractive to a potential investor.  To date, this process has not influenced Vancouver operations although there are indications that Vancouver management’s actions are being more closely scrutinized than normal.

With respect to COVID-19, of course the travel industry continues to be severely affected by the border closures and travel restrictions in place.  There has been a slight increase in business, and we are hopeful that things will continue to improve.

The reduced workforce has created some unique challenges and your union has been advocating on your behalf with management to ensure that as many members are working as possible and that bargaining unit work is respected.  Although this is always a concern, our position is that this is particularly so when so many members are laid off.

One significant issue that we have been working on is how to deal with short term absences.  Your union has made it clear to management that it is not acceptable to have management performing bargaining unit work except in the emergency circumstances referenced in the collective agreement.  We are also not willing to have casuals filling in while our members are on layoff.  However, recalling a member to fill in for unforeseen absences or business spikes is not a practical option either.

The option currently being considered is to have a list of members who would be willing to accept shifts on a sporadic basis.  Essentially, our members would be available to fill in instead of casuals.  Those interested in being available for shifts would advise management and they would be called by seniority to cover unforeseen absences.  Known absences such as vacations would continue to be covered by a member assigned to do vacation relief.

During these difficult times your union has worked hard to ensure both your collective bargaining rights and safety have been protected.  Valuable information on the pandemic continues to be available at https://moveuptogether.ca/the-latest/covid-19-resource-page-flatten-the-curve/.  We will continue to update this page as new information becomes available.

Much like COVID-19, the current financial state of Hertz is just another challenge that we will all need to work through.

Please be assured that the application for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection by the corporate arm of Hertz in the US in no way diminishes our collective bargaining agreement rights and we will work to ensure that this is the case.

If you have questions about the above or anything else please contact Shawn at slakusta@moveuptogether.ca.

In Solidarity,

Christy Slusarenko, Vice-President of Combined Units
Shawn Lakusta, Union Representative