Thank you for those questions. They are excellent.
When you work in the north or in remote areas, there are multiple challenges. I would note that we do not represent only the big airline companies: We also represent companies like PAL Airlines, Pascan and Calm Air, in Manitoba.
In my experience, and based on the discussions I have had with representatives of airline companies we represent, I can say that in those areas, the workers' working conditions seem to be tougher than elsewhere. It is colder, the flights are shorter, there is boarding and unboarding, the trips are harder, the cancellation policies are complicated. The hours worked in those regions may be recognized, but that is not always the case.
Significant improvement is needed in working conditions, whether in terms of wages or in terms of rest and vacation periods, among other things.
That said, it is not always easy to achieve the targets our members propose at the bargaining table. Unfortunately, the targets are not always attainable.
However, there are potential solutions. As I said a little earlier, the federal government can also play a role. I am thinking of the unworked hours issue. I know that is not within the committee's purview, but I believe legislative changes could be made to the Labour Code, for example, to make sure the hours worked by flight attendants are recognized.