PAL Airlines flight attendants file for conciliation after stalled bargaining

PAL Airlines flight attendants have filed for conciliation with the federal labour board after negotiations with the airline failed to make sufficient progress on several outstanding issues.

The flight attendants, represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 5451, have been negotiating with PAL Airlines since spring 2025. Their previous collective agreement expired April 30, 2025.

The union says key unresolved issues include wages, scheduling, working conditions and work-life balance.

“Our members show up every day to keep passengers safe and keep communities connected across PAL’s network of commercial flying, charters, and contracts such as Air Canada Express,” said Mark Rice, a PAL flight attendant and president of CUPE 5451.

“They deserve a contract that recognizes the value of that work. We have reached a point where we need the assistance of a conciliator to help move negotiations forward.”

CUPE says PAL flight attendants also perform safety-related duties before takeoff and after landing that are currently unpaid.

“Flight attendants across Canada are raising the bar and demanding fair compensation for all the work they do,” Rice said. “PAL Airlines flight attendants deserve the same respect. Our members are united, and they are determined to achieve a fair agreement.”

The filing begins the federal conciliation process under the Canada Labour Code. Once a conciliator is appointed, they can work with the union and airline for up to 60 days to try to reach a new collective agreement.

CUPE 5451 says its priority remains reaching an agreement through bargaining.

The union represents about 175 PAL Airlines flight attendants based in St. John’s, Halifax, Montreal and Kitchener.