Flight attendants working on Air Canada Express flights are currently in the process of voting on whether to authorize a strike action, as their union reports a standstill in bargaining negotiations. The Canadian Flight Attendant Union, representing approximately 1,000 flight attendants, is pursuing a strike mandate due to the inability to reach a resolution with Jazz Aviation after nine months of talks and involving a mediator.
According to a union news release, the CFAU deems a strong strike mandate essential to convey the seriousness of unresolved issues to Jazz Aviation and demonstrate the determination of its members. In response, a spokesperson for Jazz Aviation affirmed the company’s commitment to securing an agreement at the negotiation table without disrupting its operations. The company is now seeking the appointment of a conciliation officer as discussions with the Canadian Flight Attendant Union have hit a deadlock.
Jazz Aviation, serving as the primary operator for Air Canada Express flights, is not directly owned by Air Canada but by a holding company known as Chorus. Chris Schliep, the union’s vice-president, highlighted that while progress has been made on certain matters in recent months, significant issues, including wages, ground work compensation, and improvements recognizing the job’s impact on members’ lives, remain unresolved.
Schliep emphasized the need for fair compensation in line with industry standards and the recognition of flight attendants as safety professionals for their critical responsibilities. Safety concerns were underscored following a tragic incident involving Air Canada Express Flight AC8646 at LaGuardia Airport in March. Marsha Walters, president of the Canadian Flight Attendant Union, stressed that safety begins with fair working conditions, adequate rest, and respect for the flight attendants ensuring passengers’ safety daily.
Voting on the strike mandate concludes on Friday at noon. The impending decision follows recent strikes by WestJet flight attendants and over 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants over a year ago. The potential timeline for Air Canada Express flight attendants to initiate strike action, if the vote favors a mandate, remains uncertain.
