Air Canada Flight Attendants in Legal Strike Position August 16

Travel could be disrupted this summer as 10,000 flight attendants at Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge will be in a legal position to strike on August 16.

The Air Canada Component of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), has been without a collective bargaining agreement since the March 31 expiry of a ten-year deal. Talks continued but broke down in May and CUPE says they’ve reached an impasse. The union is fighting for better pay, improved safety and fatigue protocols and overall working conditions as well as retirement security.

CUPE has also been lobbying the government to close the loopholes that allow flight attendants to work without pay.

The Air Canada Component of CUPE said in a statement on its website July 4, that they have scheduled three more weeks of conciliation meetings this month.

“Keep in mind that negotiations are a dynamic process and can change quickly,” the statement reads. “Regardless of the direction we are heading we know that you are committed and supportive of our goal to present to you an industry leading Tentative Agreement.  We have been frustrated by the slow progress that was being made.  We have continually shown up and put in the work to ensure we are focused on your needs going forward, keeping in mind that unpaid work, wages and pensions are key in securing a deal.  Unfortunately, we know that past behaviour is a strong indicator of future behaviour, but will keep pushing forward.

Both parties must be willing and engaged in the process for it to work.”