Flight dispatchers at Jazz Aviation have voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action if a new collective agreement cannot be reached with the company.
The Canadian Airline Dispatchers Association (CALDA) announced that its members employed by Jazz Aviation concluded a week-long strike vote with 96.4% support for strike action. Fifty-four of the 56 members who participated voted in favour, representing a turnout of 94.9% among the 59 eligible voters.
The dispatchers have been without a collective agreement since Jan. 1, 2026, when their previous 10-year agreement expired.
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According to CALDA, members are seeking a wage increase to address what they say has been a significant loss of purchasing power over the past decade, with wages failing to keep pace with inflation and the rising cost of living.
“This result sends a clear message that our members are engaged, united, and prepared to stand together for a fair collective agreement,” said Mark Yezovich, National President with CALDA.
“After 10 years under the previous agreement, Jazz Flight Dispatchers are looking for a contract that reflects the realities of today’s economy and the critical role they play in airline operations. We remain committed to the bargaining process and hope to reach a fair negotiated settlement.”
Jazz Aviation flight dispatchers are responsible for operational planning and flight monitoring for approximately 400 daily flights operated under the Air Canada Express brand. Dispatchers are certified aviation professionals who share operational control responsibilities with flight crews to help ensure the safe and efficient operation of flights.
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The parties are currently participating in conciliation, which is scheduled to conclude on July 10. Under Canada's federal labour rules, that would be followed by a mandatory 21-day cooling-off period.
If a negotiated agreement is not reached, CALDA members could be in a legal strike position as early as 12:01 a.m. Atlantic Time on Aug. 1.
CALDA said it remains committed to reaching a negotiated settlement and is prepared to continue meeting with Jazz Aviation throughout the bargaining process.
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