Jazz Aviation flight attendants and company reach impasse in contract negotiations

Negotiations between Jazz Aviation and the Canadian Flight Attendants Union have reached an impasse, the airline announced Saturday — a day after the union's 99% strike mandate vote.

The bargaining unit covers more than 1,000 flight attendants who have been without a contract since Jan. 1. Nine months of negotiations, which previously involved mediator services, have not produced an agreement. The Halifax-based airline operates flights under the Air Canada Express brand.

Union president Marsha Walters stated the goal is to see members fairly compensated for the work they do. Vice-president Chris Schliep outlined the union's outstanding issues: wages, compensation for work performed on the ground, and improvements that recognize the impact the job has on members' lives.

"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," Schliep said. "We believe these are reasonable issues that need to be addressed."

Jazz Aviation said it remains committed to reaching agreement at the bargaining table without disruption to operations. The airline is now seeking a conciliation officer as part of the collective bargaining process. The union did not immediately comment on the impasse announcement Saturday.