The union representing Canadian North’s flight attendants says they have filed a notice of dispute that triggers a federal conciliation process with the airline.
The Canadian Union of Public Employees said in a Tuesday statement the flight attendants felt there had been a “lack of meaningful progress in negotiations.”
Bargaining began in March but issues related to wages, unpaid work, working conditions and scheduling “remain unresolved,” the union stated.
About 200 flight attendants are affected.
“Canadian North is committed to respectful, good-faith collective bargaining and welcomes the opportunity to continue negotiations through the conciliation process,” Canadian North communications manager Hance Colburne said in a written statement.
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That process will involve a third party appointed by the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service.
“At this time, there is no impact on our operations, and customers should continue to expect safe, predictable and reliable service,” Colburne wrote.
“Our goal remains to reach a negotiated agreement that recognizes the needs of our employees and customers while supporting the long-term sustainability of our airline.”
Isabelle Paquette, president of flight attendants’ bargaining unit CUPE Local 8111, was quoted as saying wages had not kept up with the cost of living and members “are struggling.”
“We’re committed to reaching a negotiated settlement,” Paquette stated, “but that requires both parties to come to the table prepared to make meaningful progress.”
Canadian North operates across the NWT and Nunavut, including services that connect Yellowknife with Inuvik, Norman Wells, Fort Simpson, Hay River, Edmonton and various Nunavut communities.
