Striking airline union halts Air Canada operations, defying order for resumption of work
Air Canada Flight Attendants Strike Enters Second Week
The ongoing strike by over 10,500 Air Canada flight attendants, represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), is causing confusion and frustration for travelers at Toronto Pearson International Airport. The strike, which began on August 16, has affected Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flights but not Air Canada Express flights.
The Canadian government has been attempting to intervene in the dispute. On Saturday, the Liberal government moved to end the strike by asking the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to order binding arbitration. However, the union defied the CIRB order, maintaining their right to strike and securing strong membership support for continuing action.
The Supreme Court in Canada has ruled that governments must be careful when they take away the right to strike, even for essential public sector workers. The union has labeled the government's order to end the strike as unconstitutional and has called on Air Canada to return to the bargaining table.
Despite the government's efforts, a tentative agreement between Air Canada and CUPE was only reached on August 19, after intense mediation overseen by a mutually agreed mediator. The agreement includes a phased wage increase, with an initial 12% raise for many flight attendants in 2025 and ongoing annual raises through 2028. The deal also addresses unpaid ground time compensation and provides protection from disciplinary action for strike participation, despite the strike being ruled illegal by the federal labour tribunal.
The union membership is scheduled to vote on the tentative deal from August 27 to September 6. A rejection could potentially affect further strike actions but would legally prevent another strike during that period. Air Canada has indicated it will take 7 to 10 days to fully restore normal operations due to aircraft and crew displacement caused by the strike.
The dispute between Air Canada and its cabin crews hinges on the way airlines compensate flight attendants. Traditionally, airlines have paid flight attendants only when planes are in motion. However, in recent years, some airlines, including American and Alaska, have started paying flight attendants for some hours between flights. The Canadian Union of Public Employees is seeking similar provisions in their latest contract negotiations.
As the strike enters its second week, travelers continue to face uncertainty. Italian Francesca Tondini, 50, sitting at the Toronto airport, supports the striking flight attendants, despite not knowing when she will be able to return home. The Canadian Liberal government has yet to respond to requests for comment.
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