There could soon be more turbulence for air travellers in Prince George.
The union representing over 10,000 flight attendants at Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge voted 99.7% in favour of strike action if necessary.
According to CUPE, frustration remains over key issues such as unpaid work, work rules and poverty-level wages.
“The company would rather drag their feet than negotiate on the things that matter to our members,” said Wesley Lesosky, president of the Air Canada Component of CUPE.
“Now, flight attendants have had a chance to weigh in and tell the company it’s time to get serious about negotiating.”
Since 2000, inflation has increased 169% and average full-time wages have increased 210% in Canada.
But entry-level Air Canada flight attendants’ wages have increased only 10% – just $3 per hour – in the past 25 years according to the union.
CUPE also noted, Air Canada flight attendants are not paid for a significant portion of their time on the job, including while they perform critical safety checks, attend to onboard medical and safety emergencies, and assist passengers with boarding and deplaning.
Air Canada officials say they’re eager to resume discussions, which the union had suspended during the vote, adding there’s more than enough time to reach a new deal.
The union could be in a legal strike position as soon as August 16th.
Something going on in the Prince George area you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing pgnews@vistaradio.ca.
