Air Canada Flight Attendants Threaten Strike Amid Stalled Negotiations
In a significant move, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) announced on Tuesday night that around 10,000 flight attendants could strike within 72 hours due to stalled negotiations with Air Canada, reports 24brussels.
The decision follows Air Canada’s proposal of arbitration after eight months of unsuccessful contract talks, which CUPE rejected, as it would limit the workers’ ability to strike. Over the past 25 years, flight attendants’ base pay has seen a meager 10% increase, while inflation has surged by 169%. Additionally, attendants are not compensated for vital ground work, including boarding and deplaning passengers.
“While the airline continues to impose extortionate fares on passengers and squeeze the public, it also exploits its own employees by paying flight attendants very low wages or by flat-out refusing to pay them for safety-critical aspects of our work,” said Wesley Lesosky, a CUPE representative at Air Canada.
Lesosky emphasized the importance of their role, asserting, “We’re proud to put on this uniform and help keep the public safe on their journey, but the days of us doing it for free or for poverty wages must end.” He further noted, “Air Canada flight attendants from coast to coast came together today to stand up for each other, and for the pride and dignity of this profession. We’re standing together for respect and a fair contract that matches the professionalism and dedication we bring to work every day.”
In anticipation of the strike, Air Canada has already begun to cancel flights, with more disruptions expected as the deadline approaches. By Saturday, Air Canada and its subsidiary Air Canada Rouge could halt all operations, potentially affecting around 130,000 passengers each day. However, Air Canada Express flights operated by Jazz and PAL Airlines will continue their regular services, handling approximately 20% of daily customers.
Currently, Air Canada serves around 65 countries across six continents with a fleet of 259 aircraft.
