Air Canada Resumes Flight Services Following Cabin Crew Strike Action - Flights operated by Air Canada to begin resuming gradually
Air Canada flight attendants have called off their three-day strike after the Canadian government intervened with a binding arbitration process. The strike, which disrupted over 2,000 flights and stranded more than 100,000 Canadian passengers, ended on Saturday afternoon.
The labour dispute centred around fair pay for all working hours, especially pre- and post-flight duties. The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) leading the strike had rejected the employer's latest offer, stating it was "below inflation and market conditions."
The union sought higher wages for its members and payment for work on the ground, such as scanning boarding passes before departure. Air Canada, Canada's largest airline, only pays staff for the time they are on board the aircraft, but CUPE argued that this practice undervalued the critical duties performed before the plane pushes back.
In response to the potential for immediate negative impacts on Canadians and the economy, Canadian Labour Minister Patty Hajdu ordered a binding arbitration process. The labour board has given the green light to this process, which is now in effect for Air Canada.
The tentative contract offers partial pay for pre-flight work, increasing from 50% to 70% over four years. This agreement addresses the flight attendants' key demand for compensation for pre- and post-flight work previously unpaid. The deal is still subject to union member ratification.
Air Canada has promised to refund flight tickets due to the strike, and Air Canada Express, a subsidiary of Air Canada, was reportedly not affected by the strike. Toronto's Pearson International Airport was unusually empty on Saturday morning due to the strike, with passengers of Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge advised not to come to the airport during the strike.
This agreement marks a significant breakthrough for flight attendants’ compensation but does not fully close the wage gap caused by years of stagnation and inflation erosion. Entry-level wages remain low compared to inflation and federal minimum wage, highlighting ongoing tensions despite profits posted by Air Canada.
The strike by approximately 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants has ended, and Air Canada has asked all flight attendants to return to work by 2:00 PM local time. The government's intervention and the binding arbitration process have brought a resolution to the labour dispute, ensuring air travel can resume for Canadians and travellers worldwide.
