Flight attendants employed on Air Canada Express flights are currently in the process of voting to determine whether they should authorize strike action due to stalled negotiations, according to their union. The Canadian Flight Attendant Union, which represents approximately 1,000 flight attendants, has expressed the need for a strike mandate after facing challenges in reaching an agreement with Jazz Aviation on crucial matters despite nine months of discussions and involvement of a mediator.
In a recent news release, the CFAU emphasized the importance of a strong strike mandate from its members to convey the seriousness of unresolved issues to Jazz Aviation. On the other hand, a spokesperson for Jazz Aviation stated the company’s commitment to achieving a resolution at the bargaining table while striving to avoid disruptions to its operations. The company is now pursuing the appointment of a conciliation officer as the negotiations with the Canadian Flight Attendant Union have hit a standstill.
Jazz Aviation functions as the primary operator for Air Canada Express flights, although it is not under the ownership of Air Canada but rather a holding company known as Chorus. The union has highlighted pay as a significant concern among the key issues being addressed. Chris Schliep, the union’s vice-president, mentioned that while progress has been made on certain fronts in recent months, substantial matters such as wages, ground work compensation, and improvements recognizing the job’s impact on members’ lives remain unresolved.
Schliep stressed the importance of addressing these issues, pointing out that Jazz flight attendants have not seen comparable advancements to those at other Canadian airlines, especially in light of recent industry agreements. Additionally, the union is advocating for its members to be acknowledged as safety professionals for their duties such as checks, briefings, and passenger boarding. Safety considerations were underscored following a tragic incident in March involving Air Canada Express Flight AC8646 at LaGuardia Airport, resulting in the loss of both pilots.
Marsha Walters, president of the Canadian Flight Attendant Union, emphasized the essential role of fair working conditions, adequate rest, and respect for flight attendants in ensuring passenger safety. The voting process for the strike mandate is set to conclude on Friday at noon, following recent strike actions by WestJet flight attendants and over 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants in the past year. The potential timing of a strike by Air Canada Express flight attendants, if the strike mandate is approved, remains uncertain.
