Flight attendants working on Air Canada Express flights are currently in the process of voting on whether to authorize strike action due to stalled bargaining talks, as reported by 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 key issues despite nine months of negotiations with the assistance of a mediator.
According to a news release from the union, obtaining a strong strike mandate from its members is deemed necessary to convey the seriousness of the unresolved matters and the determination of its members to Jazz Aviation. In response, a spokesperson for Jazz Aviation stated the company’s commitment to achieving an agreement at the negotiating table without any disruption to its operations, mentioning the pursuit of a conciliation officer appointment as discussions with the Canadian Flight Attendant Union have hit an impasse.
Jazz Aviation, the primary operator for Air Canada Express flights under the ownership of a holding company called Chorus and not Air Canada, has been at odds with the union over various issues. Chris Schliep, the union’s vice-president, highlighted that while progress has been made on certain fronts in recent months, significant matters such as wages, compensation for ground work, and improvements recognizing the impact of the job on members’ lives remain unresolved.
The union contends that Jazz flight attendants have lagged behind their counterparts at other Canadian airlines in terms of pay, particularly in light of recent industry agreements. Seeking fair recognition for the work they do, the union emphasizes the importance of addressing these issues to properly acknowledge their responsibilities and contributions. Additionally, the union advocates for its members to be acknowledged as safety professionals for their roles in ensuring passenger safety during various flight operations.
The significance of safety in the aviation industry was underscored by a fatal accident involving Air Canada Express Flight AC8646 at LaGuardia Airport in March, which claimed the lives of both pilots, according to the news release. Marsha Walters, president of the Canadian Flight Attendant Union, stressed the importance of fair working conditions, adequate rest, and respect for flight attendants responsible for passenger safety on a daily basis.
Voting on the strike authorization is set to conclude on Friday at noon. This development follows a recent strike by WestJet flight attendants and a previous strike by 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 strike mandate remains uncertain.