Canadian North flight attendants file for
third-party mediation
Union that represents nearly 200 workers say bargaining is at an impasse
Almost 200 flight attendants at Canadian North have filed a notice of dispute, with their union saying the bargaining team has hit an impasse with the employer at the negotiating table. (File photo)
Close to 200 flight attendants at Canadian North have filed a notice of dispute, saying there has been a lack of meaningful progress since contract negotiations with the airline began in March.
Salary, unpaid hours, working conditions and scheduling are among the top sticking points at the bargaining table, said a news release from CUPE 8111, the chapter of the Canadian Union of Public Employees that represents the workers.
“Our members are struggling,” union president Isabelle Paquette wrote in the release.
The union’s decision to file a notice of dispute triggers a conciliation process under federal labour law, which means a third party appointed by the government will intervene to help both sides reach an agreement within 60 days. That deadline can be extended with the consent of both parties.
It’s also a necessary first step before a union can strike or before a lockout can occur.
Wages have not kept up with the cost of living, Paquette said in the news release.
“Flight attendants are essential to the North,” she said. “Our members work hard to keep northern communities connected, and they deserve fair compensation for the work they do.”
Nunatsiaq News has reached out to the union for an interview but did not receive a response by press time.
Canadian North operates flights across Nunavut and the N.W.T. and connects northern communities to southern cities.
Canadian North is “committed to respectful, good-faith collective bargaining” and “welcomes the opportunity to continue negotiations through the conciliation process,” company spokesperson Hance Colburne wrote in an email to Nunatsiaq News.
Colburne said the airline isn’t anticipating any disruption to its operations.
He didn’t provide details about what Canadian North currently offers workers, saying only that the airline must recognize “the needs of our employees and customers while supporting the long-term sustainability of our airline.”
At the end of the day, Passengers will pay more for already expensive ticket prices when flight attendants get what they are asking for.
Viva workers!
All you need is a GED and you can be a flight attendant. Simple 4 to 7 week airline specific program. Unions could be a private company killer, Canadian north could simply cut off routes and have a fire sale of pilots and flight attendants.