Flight Attendants Push for Conciliation After Contract Stalemate
The union representing 10,000 Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flight attendants has formally requested federal conciliation following a deadlock in contract negotiations with the airline. The previous contract, in place since 2015, expired in March, and talks have yet to yield an agreement.
Union Demands Higher Pay and Fair Workload Compensation
Union president Wesley Lesosky highlighted soaring workloads and skyrocketing living costs as key reasons for the impasse. Entry-level full-time flight attendants currently earn about $1,951 per month, a figure the union says no longer reflects the realities of today’s economy.
The union also seeks to close loopholes in the Canada Labour Code that allow airlines to require flight attendants to work unpaid hours-tasks such as boarding, assisting passengers with mobility challenges, and pre-flight safety checks.
Air Canada Commits to Collaborative Negotiations
Air Canada spokesperson Peter Fitzpatrick expressed the airline’s intention to cooperate with the federal mediation service to reach a fair deal recognizing flight attendants’ contributions. While declining to discuss specific compensation details, Fitzpatrick emphasized that the airline’s current pay model aligns with global industry standards and remains open to dialogue.
What’s Next? The Conciliation Process and Potential Job Action
Once a federal conciliation officer is appointed, a 60-day negotiation period will begin, followed by a mandatory three-week cooling-off phase. If no agreement is reached, the union may issue a 72-hour strike notice after a strike vote, signaling potential job action.
Insight:
As negotiations stall, Air Canada flight attendants stand firm on demands for better pay and working conditions. The upcoming conciliation period will be critical in shaping the future of labour relations at the airline-and the travel experience for thousands of passengers.
