Sunwing flight attendants ratify first ever collective agreement

MONTREAL, March 28, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - Union representatives travelled across the country presenting the tentative agreement to more than 900 Sunwing flight attendants and the result is a resounding success: 92% voted in favour of accepting the deal.

"Negotiations were not always easy, but we are proud to say we have met our objective. Working conditions at Sunwing have risen to meet standards common in the airline industry," said Mark Brancelj, President of the union for Sunwing flight attendants (CUPE 4055). "This collective agreement covers the next three and a half years and salary raises range from 3% to 12%, with an average of 8%!"

Other significant gains worth mentioning are the creation of a pension plan, a substantial improvement to the sick leave bank and the implementation of a premium for flight attendants working an extended duty day over 14 hours. "The gains we have made bring us in line with every important airline in Canada," added Mark Bracelj.

This is the first collective agreement for Sunwing flight attendants, who voted to join the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) in March 2012.

"With this new contract, Sunwing acknowledges the importance of flight attendants" said Caroline Bedard, the CUPE representative for the file. "The union was able to demonstrate and convince the employer of the great significance of the profession. Sunwing recognizes that they do not only serve coffee, but more importantly, they ensure passenger security."

CUPE is Canada's largest airline union. In addition to its Sunwing members, CUPE represents nearly 10,000 flight attendants at a number of carriers, including Air Canada, Air Transat, Calm Air, Canadian North, CanJet, First Air and Cathay Pacific, as well as ground agents at Porter Airlines in Ottawa.

CUPE is the largest union in Canada with 627,000 members working in health, education, municipalities, libraries, universities, social services, public utilities, urban and air transport, emergency services and communications.

SOURCE: Canadian Union of Public Employees (FTQ)

For further information:

Mark Brancelj, President, Sunwing flight attendants union, cell. 647 468-4055
Caroline Bédard, SCFP-CUPE National Representative, cell. 514 743-5599
Lisa Djevahirdjian, SCFP-CUPE Communications, cell. 514 831-3815