Flight attendants working for Air Canada Express are currently in the process of voting on whether to authorize a strike as talks between their union and Jazz Aviation have hit a deadlock. The Canadian Flight Attendant Union, representing approximately 1,000 flight attendants, is seeking a strike mandate after months of negotiations and involving a mediator have not led to an agreement on key issues.
According to the union, a strong strike mandate is necessary to convey the seriousness of unresolved matters to Jazz Aviation. Responding to the situation, a spokesperson from Jazz Aviation stated the company’s commitment to reaching a resolution at the bargaining table without disrupting its operations. As negotiations with the union have reached an impasse, the company is pursuing the appointment of a conciliation officer.
Among the significant issues at hand are wages, compensation for ground work, and improvements that acknowledge the impact of the job on the flight attendants’ lives, as outlined by Chris Schliep, the union’s vice-president. The union emphasizes the need for fair recognition of its members’ roles as safety professionals, particularly in light of recent industry agreements.
Notably, safety concerns were underscored following a tragic incident 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 and respect for flight attendants’ responsibilities for passenger safety.
Voting on the strike mandate is set to conclude on Friday, with the potential strike action looming if the vote is in favor. This development follows recent strikes by WestJet flight attendants and Air Canada flight attendants, indicating ongoing labor challenges in the airline industry.