Flight attendants working on Air Canada Express flights are currently participating in a vote to decide whether to authorize a strike due to stalled bargaining talks, as reported by their union. The Canadian Flight Attendant Union, representing approximately 1,000 flight attendants, is seeking a strike mandate after unsuccessful negotiations with Jazz Aviation on crucial matters, despite nine months of discussions and involving a mediator.
According to a news release from the union, securing a strong strike mandate from its members is deemed essential to convey the seriousness of the unresolved issues to Jazz Aviation. In response, a spokesperson for Jazz Aviation stated the company’s commitment to achieving a resolution through negotiations without any disruption to its operations. The company is now pursuing the appointment of a conciliation officer as discussions with the Canadian Flight Attendant Union have hit an impasse.
Jazz Aviation, the primary operator for Air Canada Express flights, operates under the ownership of a holding company named Chorus and not Air Canada itself. The union has emphasized pay as a major concern, with Chris Schliep, the union’s vice-president, underscoring that while progress has been made on some fronts, significant issues, including wages and compensation for ground work, remain unresolved. The union is also advocating for improvements that acknowledge the impact of the job on its members’ lives.
Furthermore, the union is advocating for its members to be recognized as safety professionals for their roles in performing checks, attending briefings, and boarding passengers. The union highlighted the importance of safety following a fatal accident involving Air Canada Express Flight AC8646 at LaGuardia Airport in March, where both pilots tragically lost their lives.
Marsha Walters, president of the Canadian Flight Attendant Union, emphasized the significance of fair working conditions, adequate rest, and respect for flight attendants responsible for passenger safety. The union’s vote on the strike mandate is set to conclude on Friday at noon, following recent strikes by WestJet flight attendants and Air Canada flight attendants over the past year. The potential timing for a strike by Air Canada Express flight attendants remains uncertain pending the outcome of the vote.
