Air Canada Express flight attendants vote on strike mandate as contract talks stall

Air Canada Express flight attendants vote on strike mandate as contract talks stall

Union says it hasn't been able to reach agreement with employer on 'critical issues'

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 suggests safety, pay among key issues

The union's news release doesn't outline what those issues are specifically, but suggests safety and pay are among them.

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.

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"Safety does not begin at takeoff, nor does it end at landing," said Marsha Walters, president of the Canadian Flight Attendant Union, in the 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."

Walters goes on to say that any work required by its members "should be credited."

"If the time belongs to the employer, it should be compensated. And if flight attendants are safety professionals, they must be treated and compensated accordingly."

Former flight attendant on why she quit the industry

Voting closes on Friday at noon. The vote comes just weeks after WestJet flight attendants went on strike and a little over a year after more than 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants did the same.

It's unclear when Air Canada Express flight attendants could walk off the job if they vote in favour of a strike mandate.

Sarah Petz is a Toronto-based senior writer with the CBC News live pages team. Born and raised in Manitoba, her career has taken her across three provinces, multiple cities and to northern Uganda.