Over 10,000 Air Canada Flight Attendants Closer to Strike as Talks Stall
More than 10,000 flight attendants who work for Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge are getting closer to going on strike in mid-August. This comes after contract talks with the airline have once again failed to reach a deal.
The flight attendants are part of the Air Canada Component of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE). They will start voting on Monday to give their union leaders a strong strike mandate, which means showing support for a possible strike. The vote will run from July 28 to August 5.
If the majority vote in favour, the flight attendants could legally go on strike as early as August 16.
Their last contract ended on March 31. It had been in place since 2015 and gave workers a 2% yearly pay raise. But union leaders now say talks have reached a dead end and that a strike vote is needed to move forward.
Talks between the union and Air Canada started in December but reached an “impasse” in May. The union then asked the federal government for help. Four mediators were brought in to try to get both sides to agree, but it didn’t work.
Now, both sides are in a 21-day “cooling-off period.” If no deal is made by the end of that period, the union can give 72 hours’ notice before starting a strike. Air Canada could also give the same amount of notice if it chooses to lock out the workers.
Some of the major issues that still need to be solved include:
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Better pay
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Unpaid work
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Meal and travel allowances (per diems)
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Pensions
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Work rules
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Rest time while on duty
The union says its members want to be treated fairly and are ready to take action. In a recent survey, 92% of flight attendants said they are willing to strike if needed. Union leaders are urging all members to vote in favour of a strike to show strength and unity.
They say many flight attendants are struggling financially. A full-time entry-level flight attendant at Air Canada makes just $1,951.30 a month, which the union says is not enough to live on.
If a strike happens, it could affect travel across Canada—especially at Toronto Pearson Airport, Air Canada’s busiest hub.
