Jazz Aviation

Jazz Aviation MEC Shifts Focus to Ongoing Challenges

In summer 2023, Jazz Aviation pilots ratified Memorandum of Settlement No. 7, which implemented much-needed improvements to pay. The Jazz ALPA Master Executive Council (MEC) stated at the time that while the settlement was a step in the right direction, it wouldn't adequately address existing problems. This was proven to be true, as these problems remained at the forefront in 2024.

The pilots' collective agreement contains some of the sector's most robust work rules, scheduling, benefits, and pension. However, throughout 2023 and 2024, massive pilot attraction and retention problems were driven by the company's inability to adequately address foundational issues of competitive pay and career progression. Understaffed by approximately 300 pilots, largely captains, means many rosters have dozens of pilot vacancies, resulting in poor pairing efficiency, excessive deadheading, and excessive pairing reassignments. These issues negatively affect the value of existing work rules; therefore, addressing staffing remains the MEC's greatest concern.

History Helps Shape a Strong Future for Jazz Pilots

Jazz pilots have a 94-year history filled with navigating the challenges inherent to this sector of the airline industry, including their present circumstances.

"We have a long history providing valuable and professional service to our company's primary customer, Air Canada," said Capt. Claude Buraglia, the pilot group's MEC chair. "Pilots want to work for an airline with a bright and promising future. Pilots need to be paid appropriately, have a more meaningful work-life balance, and see a desirable career progression before them that also maximizes their value to the organization."

A strong and viable Air Canada is not only important to the corporation, but also critical to the Canadian traveling public. Jazz pilots remain committed to helping Air Canada build a stronger and more viable network.

Jazz Aviation MEC