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The In-Flight Service (IFS) Absenteeism Manager leads a team of Absenteeism Reporting Support Analysts across Canada. They collaborate closely with the Crew Productivity team to ensure consistent application of attendance programs, including individual case management, reduction of absenteeism, identifying misuse of programs, reducing overall costs and achieving targets.

Additionally, this role handles file escalations when required, primarily during mid-cycle book-offs occurring on evenings, weekends, or involving layovers, hospital care, and medical requirements.

Responsibilities:

• Manage and co-ordinate the day-to-day functions of all Absenteeism Reporting Support Analysts at all bases across Canada.
• Lead, motivate and coach Absenteeism Reporting support Analysts, provide constructive feedback, create action plans and yearly objectives that align with the overall organization.
• Ensure the consistent application of all processes, policies, and regulations applicable to absenteeism as it relates to crew productivity.
• Act as the branch representative when managing Med Aire relationship and manage overseas administrative processes including layover handling, in-house visits, hospital care, and medical requirements.
• Bridge Med Aire process with Air Canada’s Absenteeism Reporting Call Center processes when dealing with sick and/or injured crew overseas.
• Ensure the provisions of the Canada Labor Code, and CUPE Collective agreement are applied.
• Extract and analyze daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly absenteeism reports to identify pattern absenteeism, and no sick time remaining.
• Manage crew absenteeism file escalations, grievances and participate in the arbitration process as required.
• Maintain appropriate and thorough documentation of all employee files.
• Regularly review cases and files – contest and negotiate decisions as appropriate.
• Manage, monitor and co-ordinate various activities and processes to achieve excellence in the areas of attendance.
• Identify, investigate, and escalate high level situations brought forward from the Absenteeism Reporting Specialists, base management, and other groups.
• Complete pay for accommodations, return to work program, and maternity alternate program.
• Participate in orientation sessions to provide absenteeism overview to new Flight Attendants.
• Uphold positive relationships with Operational Health Services, Base Management, Flight Payrolls, Crew Scheduling, labor relations, Legal and Workforce Management engaging in two-way feedback, co-sharing of initiatives, concerns, and Company directives.
• Ensure the provisions of the Official Languages Act are applied to the daily work environment as required.
• Collaborate with the UBY (Unlock the Best in You) team and act as an IFS Ambassador.
• Required to be available for urgent situations and to monitor category incident notifications for cabin crew emergencies and respond accordingly, as needed.
• Available to address irregular operations in the absenteeism reporting team as needed.
• Support Cabin Crew Experience initiatives and special projects in alignment with IFS objectives.

Qualifications

• Post secondary education in a relevant field (e.g., Human Resources, Business Administration) or relevant years of experience.
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in managing absenteeism or in similar roles.
• Practical experience in attendance management, programs, and cost savings.
• A good working knowledge of Absenteeism Management Programs.
• Experience in leading a team an asset.
• Experience in working with a unionized workforce.
• Exhibit leadership qualities which elicit trust in employees and demonstrate leadership judgment.
• Strong employee focus; treating all employees with professionalism and care.
• Excellent problem-solving skills: ability to apply creative solutions that have a positive impact on results.
• Recognized ability to work under pressure, handle stressful situations and maintain flexibility.
• Airline experience, with specific knowledge of In-Flight Service is considered an asset.
• Knowledge of the current IFS Collective Agreement is considered an asset.
• Knowledge of Peoplesoft and Netline is considered a strong asset.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrate punctuality and dependability to support overall team success in a fast-paced environment.

Conditions of Employment:

Candidates must be eligible to work in the country of interest at the time any offer of employment is made and are responsible for obtaining any required work permits, visas, or other authorizations necessary for employment. Prior to their start date, candidates will also need to provide proof of their eligibility to work in the country of interest.

Linguistic Requirements

Based on equal qualifications, preference will be given to bilingual candidates.

Diversity and Inclusion

Air Canada is strongly committed to Diversity and Inclusion and aims to create a healthy, accessible and rewarding work environment which highlights employees’ unique contributions to our company’s success.

As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from all to help us build a diverse workforce which reflects the diversity of our customers, and communities, in which we live and serve.

Air Canada thanks all candidates for their interest; however only those selected to continue in the process will be contacted.