First Air flight attendants in contract talks

Flight attendants for First Air presented their proposals to the airline last week during negotiations for a new collective agreement for the 114 workers under the Canadian Union of Public Employees.

Among the proposals are shorter duty days, a defined pension plan, better maternity benefits, free uniforms and a per diem meal expense increase.

Flight attendants also want the reinstatement of the purser position. Solo flight attendants do the same job as “in-charge” flight attendants, but without the $8 an hour top-up.

Mary Lou Cherwaty, who represents the workers in negotiations, said in a news release that not enough flight attendants are choosing First Air for a career.

Makivik Corp. has owned First Air since September 1990. The flight attendants’ current contract expires on Oct. 16.