Flight attendants working on Air Canada Express flights are currently in the process of voting on whether to authorize a strike due to stalled bargaining talks, as stated by their union. The Canadian Flight Attendant Union, representing 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 negotiations and involvement of a mediator.
According to a news release, the union believes that obtaining a strong strike mandate from its members is essential to convey the seriousness of the unresolved issues and the determination of its members. In response, a spokesperson for Jazz Aviation mentioned that the company is dedicated to achieving an agreement through negotiations without causing disruptions to its operations. The company is now looking into appointing a conciliation officer as discussions with the Canadian Flight Attendant Union have hit an impasse.
Jazz Aviation, which operates as the primary carrier for Air Canada Express flights, is not directly owned by Air Canada but by a holding company named Chorus. One of the key concerns highlighted by the union, as stated by Chris Schliep, the union’s vice-president, includes the disparity in pay compared to flight attendants at other Canadian airlines, especially in light of recent industry agreements. The union emphasizes the need for fair compensation, recognition of ground work, and improvements that acknowledge the impact of the job on its members’ lives.
Furthermore, the union aims for its members to be acknowledged as safety professionals for their duties involving checks, briefings, and passenger boarding. Safety concerns were underscored following a tragic incident in March involving Air Canada Express Flight AC8646 at LaGuardia Airport, where both pilots lost their lives.
Marsha Walters, the president of the Canadian Flight Attendant Union, emphasized the importance of safety starting with fair working conditions, adequate rest, and respect for the flight attendants responsible for passengers’ safety and well-being. The voting process is set to conclude on Friday at noon, and the potential strike mandate by Air Canada Express flight attendants comes shortly after recent strikes by WestJet flight attendants and Air Canada flight attendants. The timeline for a possible job action by Air Canada Express flight attendants, if the strike mandate is approved, remains uncertain.