Fraser Valley/Kelowna -DECEMBER 10 UPDATE – Flair Airlines and CUPE have avoided any labour disruptions. The dispute centered around salaries for flight attendants.
The Canadian Industrial Relations Board is investigating if any unfair labour practices were in play.
In a statement from a Flair spokesperson to FVN:
Flair Airlines received notice this morning that CUPE, the union representing our flight attendants, has cancelled its planned labour disruption. All Flair Airlines flights are scheduled to operate normally, with our usual commitment to the highest standards of customer service and safety. We are pleased at this overnight development and thank our flight attendants for their commitment to our organization and its success.
We will continue to negotiate with CUPE to reach an agreement that provides a high quality of life for our flight attendants while protecting the long-term sustainability of our operations. Our cabin crew are the heart of our organization and we will continue to offer all employees competitive wages and a fulfilling career.
Any claims of unfair labour practices are false, and we are confident the Canadian Industrial Relations Board will agree.
oAs we prepare to launch five new routes to the United States in the coming week, we know our teams across Canada will ensure every Flair customer enjoys their travels with us.
FVN continues to wait for a response from CUPE.
For more information on Flair, visit their website.
DECEMBER 8 ORIGINAL STORY – The Kelowna based regional air carrier Flair Airlines, may have to deal with angry Christmas passengers should job action cause disruptions as early as Monday.
Flair flies out of Vancouver, Abbotsford and Kelowna among other cities.
CUPE, the union representing flight attendants are threatening to strike.
The union, which represents 139 flight attendants, issued a 72-hour strike notice on Friday.
That means slowdowns could happen as early as Monday.
The main dispute is a two-tiered system based on wages and pensions.
A Flair Airlines spokesperson sent this statement to FVN:
Over the past few months, Flair Airlines has worked with CUPE to reach agreement on compensation terms for our team of flight attendants.
To date, we have been unable to reach an agreement. As a result, CUPE has called for strike on Monday, December 10th, 2018.
We have historically paid our team of flight attendants 30% higher starting wages than our competitors. We cannot continue to pay this kind of premium, and have requested all new flight attendants start at the same wages as our competitors.
Our aircrew is at the heart of our organization, and we believe our current offer provides a high quality of life for our flight attendants, while ensuring our business remains sustainable.
After CUPE called the strike, we received considerable support from our flight attendants. Many contacted management to indicate they will work during any labour action called by the union.
The support we have received suggests all flights will operate normally on Monday, but we recommend passengers check the status of their flight on ourwebsite.
FVN has also reached out to CUPE for comment.
