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. The Canadian Flight Attendant Union, representing approximately 1,000 flight attendants, is seeking a strike mandate after facing challenges in reaching an agreement with Jazz Aviation on key issues despite nine months of negotiations and mediator involvement.
According to a union spokesperson, a strong strike mandate is deemed necessary to emphasize to Jazz Aviation the seriousness of unresolved matters and the determination of its members. In response, Jazz Aviation expressed its commitment to reaching an agreement at the bargaining table without disrupting its operations but mentioned seeking the appointment of a conciliation officer as discussions with the union have hit a standstill.
One of the primary concerns for the union revolves around compensation, particularly wages, ground work compensation, and improvements recognizing the job’s impact on members’ lives. The union stresses that Jazz flight attendants have fallen behind their counterparts at other Canadian airlines in terms of compensation, emphasizing the need for fair recognition and agreements that acknowledge the responsibilities and work undertaken by the flight attendants.
The union is also advocating for its members to be acknowledged as safety professionals for their roles in ensuring passenger safety, which was underscored following a fatal accident involving Air Canada Express Flight AC8646 at LaGuardia Airport in March. Marsha Walters, the union president, emphasized the importance of fair working conditions, proper rest, and respect for flight attendants responsible for passenger safety daily.
Voting on the strike mandate is set to close on Friday at noon. This development follows recent strike actions by WestJet flight attendants and over 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants within the past year. The timeline for potential strike action by Air Canada Express flight attendants, should they vote in favor of a strike mandate, remains uncertain.
