Wonderful agreement sealed by Air Transat is a hope for aviation

Thursday, February 29, 2024

Flight attendants at Air Transat have recently ratified a new collective bargaining agreement, establishing them as the top earners within the Canadian aviation sector. After participating in informational sessions from February 19 through February 22, a significant 62.7% of the flight attendants gave their approval to the proposal recommended by federal mediators. The ratified contract guarantees a total salary increment of 30% across five years, spanning from November 1, 2022, to October 31, 2027.

Under this agreement, flight attendants who have accrued less than three years of service will see the first two salary levels eliminated, granting them immediate access to the third salary level and a notable increase in pay.

Additionally, the agreement includes provisions for the allocation of crew seats on flights lasting seven hours or more and on flights leaving Canada after 10 p.m. It also promises an expansion in the number of personal leave and vacation days available to flight attendants.

Chantal Bourgeois, a representative of CUPE National, expressed satisfaction with the conclusion of the negotiation process, emphasizing the deserved salary adjustments for flight attendants. These adjustments acknowledge their unwavering support for the company through financial difficulties, the impacts of the pandemic, and a period of rising inflation.

In a statement dated February 26, CUPE expressed its pleasure not only in securing a new collective agreement that positions its members as the highest-paid in the Canadian industry but also in achieving additional contractual benefits. Among these benefits, the agreement guarantees the number of cabin crew members on flights lasting over seven hours and on flights departing from Canada after 10 p.m. Furthermore, it introduces an increase in the number of personal leave and vacation days.

One of the most significant aspects of the agreement, beyond the salary increments, is the elimination of the two lowest pay levels. This change means that flight attendants with less than three years of seniority will receive an immediate salary increase as though they had already reached three years of seniority. This development is poised to influence negotiations at other airlines across North America, notably with upcoming contract renewals for Air Canada’s and WestJet’s cabin crews in 2025 and 2026, respectively, and as most U.S. airlines engage in negotiations with their flight attendant unions.

The new collective agreement ratified by Air Transat’s flight attendants is set to have a broad and positive impact on airline tourism. By ensuring that Air Transat’s flight attendants are the highest paid in the Canadian aviation industry, the agreement not only enhances job satisfaction among crew members but also sets a new benchmark for employee remuneration and benefits within the sector. This development is likely to influence negotiations across the industry, potentially leading to improved working conditions and compensation for flight attendants throughout North America.

Improved job satisfaction among flight attendants can translate into better customer service, thereby enhancing the overall passenger experience. This, in turn, can boost the reputation of airlines, attract more travelers, and contribute to the growth of airline tourism. Furthermore, the agreement’s provisions for additional personal leave and vacation days, along with guaranteed crew seats on longer flights, underscore a commitment to employee well-being, which can serve as a model for other airlines to follow.

As the industry moves toward higher standards for employee treatment and compensation, airlines that adopt similar practices may see a competitive advantage in attracting and retaining top talent. This shift could lead to a more motivated and satisfied workforce, ultimately benefiting airlines through enhanced service quality, increased passenger loyalty, and a stronger brand reputation in the competitive field of airline tourism.

« Back to Page