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  • Specific Maintenance Needs for Airbnb or Short Term Vacation Rentals

    Specific Maintenance Needs for Airbnb or Short Term Vacation Rentals

  • Intense rainfall expected across Eastern Canada

    Intense rainfall expected across Eastern Canada

  • Gas prices surge in western Canada: causes and implications

    Gas prices surge in western Canada: causes and implications

  • Gloucester-Southgate: Ottawa's Hot Spot for Vehicle Thefts in 2024

    Gloucester-Southgate: Ottawa's Hot Spot for Vehicle Thefts in 2024

  • Google’s reversal on third-party cookies: what it means for privacy and advertising

    Google’s reversal on third-party cookies: what it means for privacy and advertising

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Lifestyle & Fashion

  • The role of artificial intelligence in education: Revolutionizing the classroom

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  • What is the Best Escape Room in Calgary?

    What is the Best Escape Room in Calgary? Calgary offers a variety of escape rooms, but one stands out above the rest: Escape Hour; this is an exciting game that I believe people will love to play, especially those who like challenging games. It has many types of themed rooms and very captivating games. Thus, Escape Hour can be called the leader among adventure rooms in the city. And this is good news for those who have already been through escape rooms and those who have not done Read More
  • The impact of screen time on toddler language development: what parents need to know

    The impact of screen time on toddler language development: what parents need to know The sight of a young child deeply engrossed in a handheld device is increasingly common in today’s digital age. While these moments might provide parents with a brief respite, recent research raises concerns about the long-term effects of excessive screen time on a child's language development. A study published in JAMA Pediatrics highlights the correlation between the amount of time toddlers spend on electronic devices and a noticeable decline in their language skills. This article delves into the study’s findings, Read More
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Health & Beauty

  • The impact of chronic stress on physical and mental health

    The impact of chronic stress on physical and mental health Stress is an inevitable part of life, whether it’s the frustration of a morning traffic jam, the pressure of a looming deadline at work, or the emotional toll of caring for aging parents. While short-term stress can sometimes be beneficial, motivating us to meet challenges and adapt to new situations, chronic stress can have serious consequences for both physical and mental health. Research has shown that long-term stress can increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, Type 2 Diabetes, and Read More
  • Understanding memory and aging: how to maintain cognitive function in later life

    Understanding memory and aging: how to maintain cognitive function in later life Aging brings with it a host of changes, both physical and cognitive. One of the most widely recognized aspects of aging is its impact on memory. As we grow older, many of us notice that our ability to recall information isn't as sharp as it once was. But what exactly happens to memory as we age, and how can we work to maintain our cognitive function? Understanding these questions is essential for anyone looking to keep their mind sharp well Read More
  • Understanding the global mpox health emergency: what you need to know

    Understanding the global mpox health emergency: what you need to know The declaration of mpox as a public health emergency of international concern has raised alarms globally, coming on the heels of the ongoing vigilance against COVID-19. On August 14, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director general of the World Health Organization (WHO), made the announcement. This declaration signals the need for a coordinated international response, particularly to address the surge of mpox cases in the Congo and other African nations. While governments are now urged to enhance their efforts in Read More
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Cars & Tech

  • Google’s reversal on third-party cookies: what it means for privacy and advertising

    Google’s reversal on third-party cookies: what it means for privacy and advertising After years of pledging to phase out third-party cookies, Google announced on Monday that it will continue to support them in its Chrome browser. This significant shift follows mounting concerns from advertisers, who rely heavily on cookies for tracking and personalizing ads. Google’s decision has sparked mixed reactions from various stakeholders, including regulators, privacy advocates, and the digital advertising community. Read More
  • Toronto's battle against climate change - learning from floods

    Toronto's battle against climate change - learning from floods Almost 11 years ago, on July 8, 2013, Toronto experienced a deluge of rain that caused widespread flooding, infrastructure damage, and power outages. The city received over a month's worth of rain in just a few hours. Roads turned into rivers, subway entrances became waterfalls, and the Don Valley Parkway (DVP) was submerged as the Don River overflowed. This event left nearly 300,000 residents without power and stranded a GO Transit commuter train with 1,400 passengers. Fast forward to 11 Read More
  • Edmonton Doctor set to be first Canadian woman to become a commercial astronaut

    Edmonton Doctor set to be first Canadian woman to become a commercial astronaut In a landmark for Canadian space travel, Edmonton's Dr. Shawna Pandya is poised to become the first Canadian woman to embark on a commercial space flight. Dr. Pandya's upcoming mission not only represents a personal achievement but also marks a significant milestone in the commercialization of space travel. Read More
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Food & Travel

WestJet and union struggle over contract terms - Calgary

Calgary - based WestJet has officially issued a 72 - hour lockout notice to its mechanics' union, setting the stage for potential work stoppages beginning next Tuesday. The union, represented by the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA), initiated a strike vote on May 2, which is set to continue until May 9. These actions come after several months of negotiations between WestJet and AMFA, which began in September 2023.

Negotiations and potential disruptions

Diederik Pen, WestJet's president and chief operating officer, communicated to employees that the decision to issue a lockout notice was not taken lightly. He pointed out that the union had already been encouraging potential strikes and advising passengers to consider other airlines. In preparation for the possible work stoppage, WestJet has announced it will operate under a reduced schedule, manage flight changes and cancellations proactively, and provide flexible change and cancellation options for passengers. Pen also urged employees to avoid booking their own travel through WestJet during this uncertain period, emphasizing the company's commitment to continue negotiations in hopes of reaching a mutually agreeable contract.

Union response to lockout notice

AMFA regional director Will Abbott expressed disappointment but not surprise at the lockout notice, stating that the union remains committed to negotiating in good faith. He emphasized the need for a collective bargaining agreement that addresses both sides' needs, particularly highlighting concerns over benefits and pay, which he referred to as "quality - of - life issues."

WestJet's stance and offer

On the other side, Diederik Pen outlined WestJet's latest offer in a public statement, claiming it would position WestJet's aircraft maintenance engineers as the highest paid in Canada with a cumulative wage increase of over 20% throughout the collective agreement. The offer also includes commitments to work - life balance and job security, reflecting the company's appreciation for its engineers and its determination to avoid travel disruptions while ensuring long-term stability for all employees.

Outlook on negotiations

Despite the looming threat of a work stoppage, negotiations are set to continue. Abbott noted that the final resolution would depend significantly on reaching a comprehensive agreement that satisfies both parties. He refrained from speculating on whether the work stoppage could be averted by Tuesday, suggesting that the outcome now rests primarily with WestJet. As the deadline approaches, both WestJet and its mechanics' union face critical decisions that will influence the future of the airline's operations and its workforce stability.

Source: CBC