Flight attendants working on Air Canada Express flights are currently in the process of voting on whether to authorize a strike action, with their union reporting a deadlock in bargaining talks. The Canadian Flight Attendant Union, representing approximately 1,000 flight attendants, is pushing for a strike mandate after months of negotiations with Jazz Aviation failed to resolve key issues. The union emphasized the need for Jazz Aviation to understand the gravity of the unresolved matters and the determination of its members.
In response, a spokesperson for Jazz Aviation expressed the company’s commitment to reaching an agreement through negotiations without causing disruptions to its operations. The company is now seeking the appointment of a conciliation officer as discussions with the Canadian Flight Attendant Union have hit an impasse.
One of the union’s key concerns is related to compensation, particularly in comparison to other airlines in Canada. Chris Schliep, the union’s vice-president, highlighted that while progress has been made on some fronts, significant issues such as wages, ground work compensation, and overall job impact on members’ lives remain unresolved. The union is advocating for fair recognition of its members as safety professionals, citing the importance of their responsibilities in ensuring passenger safety.
Safety concerns were accentuated following a fatal accident 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 the significance of fair working conditions and respect for the crucial role flight attendants play in passenger safety.
Voting on the strike mandate is set to conclude on Friday at noon. This development follows recent strike actions by WestJet flight attendants and Air Canada flight attendants over the past year. The potential timeline for Air Canada Express flight attendants to initiate a strike remains uncertain pending the outcome of the current vote.