Air Canada Express flight attendants vote on strike mandate as contract
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Flight attendants who work on Air Canada Express flights are voting on whether to authorize strike action as their union says bargaining talks have stalled.
The Canadian Flight Attendant Union, which represents around 1,000 flight attendants, says it’s seeking a strike mandate after being unable to reach an agreement with Jazz Aviation on “the most critical issues” despite nine months of negotiations and enlisting the services of a mediator.
“The CFAU believes a strong strike mandate from its membership is necessary to ensure Jazz Aviation understands the seriousness of the outstanding issues and the resolve of its members,” the news release said.
A spokesperson for Jazz Aviation said the company remains committed to reaching an agreement at the bargaining table “without disruption to its operations.”
The company is seeking out the appointment of a conciliation officer as negotiations with the Canadian Flight Attendant Union have reached an impasse, the spokesperson said in an email.
Jazz Aviation serves as the primary operator for Air Canada Express flights. It is not owned by Air Canada but by a holding company called Chorus.
Union says pay among key issues
Chris Schliep, the union’s vice-president, said the parties have made progress on some items over the past few months but that significant issues remain unresolved.
The main outstanding issues for the union include wages, compensation for work performed on the ground and “improvements that recognize the impact this job has on our members’ lives,” Schliep said in an email.
“Jazz flight attendants have not kept pace with comparable flight attendants at other Canadian airlines, particularly in light of the recent agreements reached across the industry.
“We believe these are reasonable issues that need to be addressed. Our members are asking for an agreement that properly recognizes the work they actually do and the responsibility they carry.”
The union also wants its members recognized as safety professionals for the work they perform completing checks, attending briefings and boarding passengers, he said.
The importance of safety was highlighted in March after the fatal accident involving Air Canada Express Flight AC8646 at LaGuardia Airport, which killed both pilots, the news release says.
“Safety does not begin at takeoff, nor does it end at landing,” said Marsha Walters, president of the Canadian Flight Attendant Union, in the news release.
“It begins with fair working conditions, proper rest, and respect for the flight attendants who are responsible for the safety and care of passengers every day.”
Calleigh Gingras is a former flight attendant who has…
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