Flight attendants employed on Air Canada Express flights are currently in the process of voting on whether to approve strike action, with their union indicating that negotiations have hit a standstill. The Canadian Flight Attendant Union, which represents approximately 1,000 flight attendants, is pursuing a strike mandate following unsuccessful discussions with Jazz Aviation regarding crucial matters despite nine months of talks and mediation involvement.
The union expressed the necessity for a robust strike mandate from its members to convey the seriousness of unresolved issues to Jazz Aviation. In response, a spokesperson for Jazz Aviation reassured the company’s commitment to achieving a resolution at the negotiation table without disruptions to its operations. The company is now seeking the appointment of a conciliation officer as discussions with the Canadian Flight Attendant Union have reached an impasse.
One of the primary concerns raised by the union pertains to compensation, with Chris Schliep, the union’s vice-president, highlighting that while progress has been made on certain fronts, significant matters, including wages and ground work compensation, remain unresolved. The union emphasized the need for improvements that acknowledge the impact of the job on its members’ lives, citing the need to align with industry standards and recent agreements reached by other Canadian airlines.
Moreover, the union is advocating for its members to be recognized as safety professionals for their responsibilities in ensuring passenger safety throughout flights. This call for recognition was underscored by a fatal incident involving Air Canada Express Flight AC8646 at LaGuardia Airport in March, where both pilots lost their lives.
Marsha Walters, president of the Canadian Flight Attendant Union, emphasized the critical role of fair working conditions, adequate rest, and respect for flight attendants in maintaining passenger safety. Voting on the strike mandate is set to conclude on Friday, following recent strikes by WestJet flight attendants and Air Canada flight attendants. The potential timeline for Air Canada Express flight attendants to initiate strike action, if the vote passes, remains uncertain.