On this second strike day, CUPE 5490, the union representing flight attendants, has learned that Pascan Aviation was readying for a labour dispute before even sitting at the bargaining table. Witnesses confirmed to the union that Pascan began approaching them in April 2025, asking if they wanted to replace the flight attendants. This type of action was made illegal with the passing of anti-scab legislation earlier this year.
“We find it deplorable that the company has no interest in giving the talks a chance,” said Jessé Vigneault, president of CUPE 5490. “As we were working on our bargaining points, even before we submitted our list of demands, the company was already looking for people to replace us.”
The main issues are wages, off-base residency, assignments and crew planning.
“Our employer charges extremely high rates for tickets on our flights,” explained the president. “We just want them to put a portion of this money toward decent working conditions.”
The previous collective agreement expired July 18, 2025. Talks began in May but have made little progress, despite support from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS).