Air Canada has announced a complete suspension of its operations following a strike by flight attendants that began late Saturday night. The strike, initiated by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) representing 10,000 attendants, was triggered by unsuccessful contract negotiations, with attendants unhappy over wages and unpaid work.
As the labor dispute escalated, Air Canada notified passengers to prepare for significant disruptions, canceling 500 flights and affecting about 100,000 travelers. Although Air Canada Express flights remain operational, the halt could influence up to 130,000 daily customers nationwide.
The union's announcement of a 72-hour strike notice followed tense negotiations that reportedly reached a standstill. Flight attendants have voiced concerns over low wages and the lack of compensation for essential duties performed before flights, claiming that recent proposals from Air Canada fell short of industry standards and inflation rates.
In response to the strike and growing pressure, the Canadian government intervened, compelling the airline and CUPE to settle their dispute through binding arbitration. Federal Labor Minister Patty Hajdu stated the necessity of maintaining industrial peace and ensuring timely resolution for the sake of affected Canadians.
The union retaliated against the government's intervention, claiming that such actions violate their charter rights and could exacerbate existing issues. They advocate for a resolution through direct negotiations instead of government interference.
The situation remains fluid, and while the timeline for reaching an agreement is unclear, the precedent of earlier strikes, such as the 1998 pilots’ strike, looms large, highlighting the potential chaos a prolonged dispute could cause for the airline and its passengers.
Travelers affected by the cancellations have been advised to monitor their flight status and consider alternative arrangements with other carriers, as Air Canada committed to providing full refunds and support for changing travel plans.
