More than 1,000 flight attendants at Jazz Aviation, which operates regional flights under the Air Canada Express brand, have voted in favour of a strike mandate amid ongoing contract negotiations. The vote comes after months of bargaining over wages, benefits and working conditions, with little progress reported.
According to the Canadian Flight Attendant Union (CFAU), 99 per cent of members who participated in the vote supported authorizing a strike. The union stressed that the vote does not mean a strike is imminent, but strengthens its position as negotiations with the company continue in an effort to reach a new collective agreement.
Union president Marsha Walters said flight attendants are seeking fair wages, improved benefits and better working conditions that reflect the responsibilities of their role. The union is also calling for enhanced scheduling provisions, adequate rest periods and compensation for all hours worked. The previous collective agreement expired on Jan. 1, and a new contract has yet to be finalized. Halifax-based Jazz Aviation, a subsidiary of Chorus Aviation, operates regional services to dozens of destinations across Canada and the United States under the Air Canada Express banner. A labour disruption could affect regional air travel if negotiations fail to produce an agreement.
The union said it remains committed to reaching a negotiated settlement and hopes to avoid disrupting passengers. The company had not issued a detailed public response at the time of publication. Further negotiations are expected to determine whether a strike can be avoided.