Air Transat’s 2,100 flight attendants have voted to adopt a strike mandate, putting the airline at risk of a potential labour disruption.
The union representing the flight attendants, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), announced on Monday that 93% of its members voted in favor of the strike mandate. This means that the union now has the authority to call for a strike if necessary.
The main issue at hand is the flight attendants’ working conditions. According to CUPE, Air Transat has been ignoring their demands for better working conditions and has not made any significant progress in negotiations.
The union is calling for improved working conditions, including better scheduling and more rest time between flights. They also want to address the issue of job security for seasonal workers, as many flight attendants at Air Transat are only employed on a seasonal basis.
In a statement, CUPE stated that the strike mandate is a necessary step to put pressure on the airline to address these issues. They also emphasized that they are still open to negotiations and hope to reach a fair agreement with the company.
Air Transat has responded to the strike mandate, stating that they are disappointed with the union’s decision. They have also assured their customers that they are working towards a resolution and that they will do everything in their power to avoid any disruptions to their services.
The airline has faced financial struggles due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has greatly impacted the travel industry. However, CUPE argues that this should not be an excuse for the airline to neglect the well-being of their employees.
The strike mandate will remain in effect for 60 days, giving the union time to negotiate with the airline. If an agreement is not reached within this time frame, the union will have the option to call for a strike.
This potential strike could have a significant impact on Air Transat’s operations, as the flight attendants play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers. It could also have a negative effect on the airline’s reputation and customer satisfaction.
In the meantime, both parties will continue to negotiate in hopes of reaching a fair agreement. The union has stated that they are committed to finding a solution that benefits both the flight attendants and the airline.
In conclusion, Air Transat’s 2,100 flight attendants have voted in favor of a strike mandate, citing concerns over their working conditions. The union hopes that this will put pressure on the airline to address these issues and reach a fair agreement. Both parties will continue to negotiate in hopes of avoiding a potential strike and finding a resolution that benefits all involved.
