Possible airline-crew strike could see local airport grounded
By Castlegar Source
The West Kootenay Regional Airport in Castlegar could end up grounded by mid-June after Air Canada Jazz flight attendants and pilots voted in favour of strike action, citing seven years of deep cuts to pay and benefits.
Castlegar mayor Lawrence Chernoff said it could be a terrible blow to the local airport, should the strike (which could begin as soon as June 13) become a reality.
“Jazz is the only carrier that services our airport – If the flight crews aren’t on board, there will be no flights at all,” he said, adding the West Kootenay Regional Airport services more than 90,000 travellers each year.
“It’s a hub to the Kootenays. Any strike would effect the whole region.”
He said it’s frustrating to be unable to engage in a process that could so deeply impact Castlegar residents.
“It’s out of our hands – now all we can do is play the wait-and-see game,” he said. “It’s in the negotiation stage right now, so we’re hoping they can resolve the issue before mid-June.”
A request for information from Air Canada prompted this response:
“A strike mandate is a normal part of the negotiation process and we remain committed to letting the collective bargaining process continue its natural course, and want to continue to discuss and negotiate the issues.
“We do have meetings set for June and are committed to achieving mutually beneficial collective agreements that will allow Jazz to grow and prosper.
“(Note: we have six collective agreements at Jazz – three of which have been ratified to date).”
