CANSA members vote 95% in favour to strike with the end of Conciliation with NAV Canada looming

The Canadian Air Navigation Specialists Association (CANSA) at Unifor Local 1016 have voted 95% in favour of authorizing a strike, should negotiations with NAV Canada fail to reach an agreement over key issues of wages and concessions.

"This result demonstrates a strong mandate from members to pursue our demands for fair wages, staffing practices, scheduling of hours of work, and job security," said James Walker, president of CANSA/Unifor Local 1016.

"We are committed to open and honest bargaining at the table with NAV Canada, but we're also prepared to support the membership if the employer will not budge."

The online strike vote took place on April 3 to April 10. CANSA will be in a legal strike position starting on May 4, 2024, at 12:01 a.m.

The unit represents members in Air Traffic Control Training, Operational Support, Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), Flight Data Analytics and Aeronautical Information Management at NAV Canada.

In February, CANSA filed its Notice of Dispute with the Minister of Labour, asking for the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service to step in to help resolve the outstanding issues.

On April 10, 2024, the CANSA bargaining committee met with Nav Canada with the assistance of the FMCS Conciliator for a third time. Meetings are ongoing on April 11, 2024, with conciliation ending on April 12, 2024.

The Bargaining Committee is steadfast in their resolve to bring back the best possible deal for their membership.

The CANSA bargaining team will update its members with any new developments.