Flight attendants employed on Air Canada Express flights are currently in the process of voting on whether to authorize strike action, as their union reports a breakdown in bargaining discussions. The Canadian Flight Attendant Union, representing approximately 1,000 flight attendants, is seeking a strike mandate following unsuccessful negotiations with Jazz Aviation on key issues despite nine months of talks and the involvement of a mediator. According to a union statement, obtaining a strong strike mandate is crucial to convey the seriousness of unresolved matters and members’ determination to Jazz Aviation.
Jazz Aviation’s spokesperson expressed the company’s commitment to achieving a resolution at the bargaining table without any disruptions to its operations. The company is moving towards appointing a conciliation officer as talks with the Canadian Flight Attendant Union have hit an impasse. Jazz Aviation operates as the primary provider for Air Canada Express flights and is under the ownership of a holding company named Chorus, not Air Canada.
Chris Schliep, the union’s vice-president, acknowledged progress on certain issues in recent months but highlighted that significant matters, including wages, ground work compensation, and enhancements recognizing the job’s impact on members’ lives, remain unresolved. The union emphasizes the need for fair acknowledgment of the work performed by its members, who feel they have not kept pace with counterparts at other Canadian airlines in terms of compensation, especially considering recent industry agreements.
The union is advocating for its members to be recognized as safety professionals due to their responsibilities in completing checks, briefings, and passenger boarding tasks. Safety concerns were underscored in March following a tragic incident involving Air Canada Express Flight AC8646 at LaGuardia Airport that claimed the lives of both pilots, the union noted.
Marsha Walters, the president of the Canadian Flight Attendant Union, emphasized the importance of safety, stating that it begins with fair working conditions, proper rest, and respect for the flight attendants entrusted with passengers’ safety daily.
Voting on the strike mandate is set to conclude on Friday at noon. This move follows recent strike actions by WestJet flight attendants and over 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants in the past year. The potential timing of a strike by Air Canada Express flight attendants, if they choose to authorize it, remains uncertain.