Ottawa 0046006c0069ght attendants at Air Canada have voted overwhelmingly to accept the tentative contract reached through mediation three weeks ago.
“Our members supported us throughout months of negotiation, mediation and frustration,” said Pamela Sachs, President of the Air Canada Component of the Airline Division of CUPE.
“It was that united front that energized the bargaining team, as we spent day after day trying to reach a settlement. And in the end, our united front was what won flight attendants the improvements we so badly needed in our contract,” she added.
Yesterday, flight attendants voted at bases across the country to the bargaining committee’s recommendation of acceptance. Fully 94 per cent, voted in favour of the settlement.
In the deal, reached on July 7, CUPE successfully negotiated improved retirement income for flight attendants 00610020006bey issue in this round of bargaining 006100730020well as safer and healthier working conditions and a wage increase of 5%, 4% and 3% over three years.
“I hope this is a sign of things to come with the company,” said Sachs. “For decades we have fought for dignity and respect. It’s been a long time coming. Better pensions is key to that dignity. With this agreement our members, who are mostly women, can look forward to a more secure retirement after years of service to the company.”
“The struggle for dignity and respect isn’t over. But with this contract we have made strides forward for our members,” she said.
“All along, we were saying it was time for our fair share. Air Canada has won some big awards for superior customer service. Well, we are the people providing that customer service. In many ways, flight attendants are the face of the company 0061006e0064 so much more. We may serve drinks, but we also preserve passenger safety. I’m pleased the company has begun to recognize the roles we play,” said Sachs.
For more information: Pamela Sachs, President, Airline Division of CUPE – Air Canada Component (416) 798-3399 ext. 236 Richard Nolan, Vice-President, Airline Division of CUPE – Air Canada Component (416) 798-3399 ext. 251