TORONTO — Flight dispatchers at Jazz Aviation have voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action as contract negotiations continue between the company and the Canadian Airline Dispatchers Association (CALDA).

Jazz Aviation operates approximately 400 daily flights on behalf of Air Canada under the Air Canada Express brand.

According to CALDA, 54 of the 56 members who participated in a recent strike vote supported strike action, representing 96.4% approval. The week-long vote saw 56 of 59 eligible members cast ballots, resulting in a turnout of 94.9%.

The union said its members have been working without a collective agreement since Jan. 1, 2026, when a 10-year contract expired.

Dispatchers are seeking a wage reset after a decade in which compensation failed to keep pace with inflation and the rising cost of living. According to CALDA, members are seeking a wage reset that restores the value of their earnings and are disappointed with Jazz Aviation’s current wage proposal. 

“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.”

Flight dispatchers are responsible for planning and monitoring flights and are certified aviation professionals who play a key role in airline operations. Jazz Aviation dispatchers support the safe and efficient operation of approximately 400 daily Air Canada Express flights.

The parties are currently participating in conciliation, which is scheduled to conclude on July 10. Under Canada’s labour relations process, a mandatory 21-day cooling-off period will follow.

If an agreement is not reached during that time, CALDA members could be in a legal strike position as of 12:01 a.m. Atlantic Time on Aug. 1, 2026.