Some travellers on edge after Air Transat flight attendants reject latest contract deal
Leaving the Montreal-Trudeau airport for a sunny getaway with her three kids in the Dominican Republic, Andrée-Anne Fisette is trying not to think of her dream vacation being ruined.
Air Transat flight attendants are negotiating a new contract and the latest offer was just rejected by more than 98 per cent of members on Tuesday.
"It’s certainly a negative … but we’re trying to stay positive," she told CTV News.
In November, the union received a mandate from its members to strike.
The union representing air transat flight attendants says 98 per cent voted against a tentative agreement.
About 2,100 Air Transat flight attendants have been without a collective agreement for more than a year and the union says salaries are the main issue.
"We’re not seeing a lot of panic yet, but there is concern," said Christine Latremoille, a travel agent with Uniglobe Dorval.
Latremoille said there has been an increase in concerned travellers since Wednesday morning.
The union representing flight attendants says in November, its members voted for a strike mandate that is valid until January 23.
"It is a concern. We don’t have a lot of carriers here in Canada and when one threatens strikes it has a big impact," said Latremoille.
Air Transat said so far, there are no strikes or lock out notices from either side, and that it wants an agreement in place.
"Someone has to be the first at bat in negotiations for flight attendants and, in this case, the first at bat is going to be Air Transat. They’re going to set the standard, they’re going to set the pace," said John Gradek, a former Air Canada executive and lecturer at McGill University's aviation management program.
The aviation analyst said the airline could train other staff if flight attendants decide to strike.
"But they don’t have a lot of cash to work with. Airlines are still pretty fragile. I think the airline would like to see a settlement rather than start to prepare for a strike," Gradek.
In the meantime, Fisette said she hopes once her 13-day trip wraps up, there won't be any issues flying home.
"I hope they'll be able to find a solution for us," she said.
Both Air Transat and the union resumed negotiations on Wednesday.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6976926.1721883767!/httpImage/image.png_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.png)
LIVE UPDATES Critical infrastructure 'successfully protected': Jasper park officials
Jasper National Park officials in an update said all critical infrastructure in the townsite has been "successfully protected, including the hospital, emergency services building, both elementary and junior/senior schools, activity centre and wastewater treatment plant."
Alberta premier says a third, perhaps half, of all Jasper buildings destroyed by fire
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says early reports indicate a third and perhaps up to half of all buildings in the historic Rocky Mountain resort town of Jasper have burned in a wildfire.
Prince William's 2023 salary revealed in new report
Newly released financial reports show that William, the Prince of Wales, drew a salary of $42.1 million last fiscal year, his first since inheriting the vast and lucrative Duchy of Cornwall.
Tourist suffers 3rd-degree burns to feet after losing flip flops amid soaring temperatures in Death Valley
A tourist was hospitalized after suffering third-degree burns on his feet on Saturday when he lost his flip flops at a national park in California where temperatures soared past 50 C.
'There's mom and dad's house': New video appears to show destruction of Jasper neighbourhood
Video posted to social media on Thursday morning appears to show the charred remains of a Jasper, Alta., neighbourhood.
Former judge with disputed Cree heritage likely has Indigenous DNA: law society
The Law Society of British Columbia says a DNA test shows a former judge and Order of Canada recipient accused of falsely claiming to be Cree "most likely" has Indigenous heritage.
Australian field hockey player opts to amputate part of his finger in order to compete in Paris Olympics
In the run up to the Paris Olympics, athletes have been stepping up their preparations in order to maintain their edge over competitors. But for Australia’s Matt Dawson, those preparations looked a little different this year, with the field hockey player opting to have part of his finger amputated in order to compete in the Games.
Canada to bring home fewest Olympic medals since 2012, according to forecaster
Fewer Canadians are expected to reach the Paris podium than in the previous two Olympic Summer Games, a global data analytics company predicts.
Jennifer Aniston criticizes JD Vance for 'childless cat ladies' remarks: 'I pray that your daughter is fortunate enough to bear children'
Jennifer Aniston is criticizing JD Vance for comments he made in his past about women without children.