CUPE to present recommendation from mediators to Air Transat cabin crew

The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents 2,100 flight attendants at Air Transat, says a recommendation from mediators has been received by the bargaining committees of both parties after an impasse to renew the collective agreement.

In a press release Wednesday (Feb. 14), the Air Transat Component of CUPE said it will present it to members during upcoming information meetings, followed by a voting period.

“This process rules out all possibility of strike action,” CUPE said, offering no further comment.

READ MORE: Air Transat flight attendants reject tentative deal, raising strike fears

The collective agreement for the flight attendants, based at airports in Montreal (YUL) and Toronto (YYZ), expired on Oct. 31, 2022. Negotiations began officially on April 17, 2023.

A first tentative agreement between the parties was reached on Dec. 14. After general meetings, the flight attendants voted 98.1 per cent to reject it, with 87 per cent of members participating.

On Jan. 7, a second tentative agreement was reached, also turned down by members on Feb 1 by a vote of 81.9 per cent.

Sticking points in the talks include wages for hours worked on the ground before takeoff and after landing, as well as the question of onboard staffing.

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