Flight attendants working on Air Canada Express flights are currently voting on whether to authorize a strike due to stalled bargaining talks, as reported by their union. The Canadian Flight Attendant Union, representing approximately 1,000 flight attendants, is seeking a strike mandate following unsuccessful negotiations with Jazz Aviation on crucial issues, despite nine months of discussions and mediation involvement.
In a news release, the union expressed the necessity for a strong strike mandate from its members to convey the seriousness of unresolved issues to Jazz Aviation. In response, a spokesperson for Jazz Aviation reiterated the company’s commitment to reaching an agreement at the bargaining table without disrupting its operations. The company is now pursuing the appointment of a conciliation officer as negotiations with the union have hit a deadlock.
One of the key concerns highlighted by the union, according to Chris Schliep, the union’s vice-president, includes wages, compensation for ground work, and improvements recognizing the job’s impact on members’ lives. Schliep emphasized the need to address these reasonable issues, stating that Jazz flight attendants have fallen behind their counterparts at other Canadian airlines in terms of compensation.
The union also seeks recognition for its members as safety professionals for their roles in completing checks, attending briefings, and boarding passengers. Safety concerns were underscored following a fatal accident involving Air Canada Express Flight AC8646 at LaGuardia Airport, where both pilots lost their lives.
Marsha Walters, president of the Canadian Flight Attendant Union, stressed the importance of fair working conditions, proper rest, and respect for flight attendants responsible for passenger safety. Voting on the strike mandate is set to conclude on Friday at noon. This development follows recent strikes by WestJet flight attendants and over 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants within the past year. The potential timeline for Air Canada Express flight attendants to initiate a strike, if the vote favors it, remains uncertain.