Flight attendants employed on Air Canada Express flights are currently in the process of voting on whether to approve strike action as their union reports a standstill in negotiation discussions. The Canadian Flight Attendant Union, representing approximately 1,000 flight attendants, has disclosed that it is pursuing a strike mandate due to the inability to reach a consensus with Jazz Aviation on critical matters despite nine months of talks and mediation involvement.
In a released statement, the CFAU emphasized the necessity of a strong strike mandate from its members to convey the severity of unresolved issues to Jazz Aviation. In response, a spokesperson for Jazz Aviation affirmed the company’s commitment to achieving an agreement at the negotiation table without disrupting its operations. The company is now seeking the appointment of a conciliation officer as talks with the Canadian Flight Attendant Union have hit an impasse.
Union Vice-President Chris Schliep noted progress on certain fronts in recent months but highlighted significant unresolved issues, including wages, ground work compensation, and enhancements recognizing the job’s impact on members’ lives. The union asserts that Jazz flight attendants have fallen behind counterparts at other Canadian airlines in terms of pay, especially considering recent industry-wide agreements.
Moreover, the union aims for its members to be acknowledged as safety professionals for their duties in completing checks, attending briefings, and boarding passengers. Safety concerns were underscored following a tragic accident involving Air Canada Express Flight AC8646 at LaGuardia Airport earlier this year, resulting in the loss of both pilots.
Marsha Walters, President of the Canadian Flight Attendant Union, emphasized the importance of fair working conditions, adequate rest, and respect for flight attendants responsible for passenger safety and care daily. The voting process 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 remains uncertain pending the outcome of the strike mandate vote.
