Flight attendants employed on Air Canada Express flights are currently in the process of voting on whether to approve strike action, as their union has reported a standstill in negotiations. The Canadian Flight Attendant Union, representing approximately 1,000 flight attendants, has expressed the need for a strike mandate following unsuccessful talks with Jazz Aviation. Despite nine months of discussions and the involvement of a mediator, no agreement has been reached on key issues.
According to a union news release, the CFAU believes that a strong strike mandate is crucial to convey the seriousness of the unresolved matters to Jazz Aviation. In response, a spokesperson for Jazz Aviation stated the company’s dedication to achieving a resolution through negotiations without disrupting its operations. The company is now pursuing the appointment of a conciliation officer as discussions with the Canadian Flight Attendant Union have hit an impasse.
Among the primary concerns raised by the union is the issue of pay disparities. Chris Schliep, the union’s vice-president, highlighted that while progress has been made on certain fronts, significant issues such as wages, ground work compensation, and other improvements affecting the well-being of flight attendants remain unresolved. The union emphasizes the need to address these issues, citing the necessity to recognize the work and responsibilities carried out by its members.
Moreover, the union aims to have its members acknowledged as safety professionals for their roles in ensuring passenger safety during various flight procedures. The importance of safety in the aviation industry was underscored following a tragic incident involving Air Canada Express Flight AC8646 at LaGuardia Airport earlier this year, where both pilots lost their lives.
Marsha Walters, president of the Canadian Flight Attendant Union, emphasized that safety standards encompass fair working conditions, adequate rest, and respect for the essential role flight attendants play in passenger care. The voting process is expected to conclude by Friday at noon, following recent strikes by WestJet flight attendants and Air Canada flight attendants in the past year.
If the strike mandate is approved, the timeline for potential strike action by Air Canada Express flight attendants remains uncertain. Jazz Aviation, the primary operator for Air Canada Express flights, continues to navigate the negotiation process with the union amid these ongoing developments.
