Air Canada is facing significant disruptions as it has grounded all flights due to a strike initiated by its cabin crew. This action, confirmed by the union representing over 10,000 flight attendants, is expected to affect around 130,000 passengers each day. The strike kicked off at 00:58 ET on Saturday, compelling the airline to stop operations, including its budget service, Air Canada Rouge. Passengers were warned not to go to the airport unless they were traveling with alternative airlines.
The flight attendants are demanding higher wages and compensation for work performed while aircraft are on the ground. Prior to the strike, Air Canada had already begun scaling back operations, canceling 623 flights and affecting over 100,000 travelers as a part of the process. Daily estimates indicate that approximately 500 flights are expected to be impacted during the strike period.
Air Canada expressed regret about the disruptions but defended its compensation offer: a 38% total increase over four years, with a 25% rise in the first year. However, the union, CUPE, criticized this as insufficient, claiming it falls short of inflation and market standards, and leaves attendants unpaid during certain work hours.
With a staggering 99.7% of union members voting for strike action earlier this month, Canadian jobs minister Patty Hajdu has urged both parties to re-engage in negotiations to prevent a full-blown strike. Tensions have risen as CUPE accuses Air Canada of not negotiating in good faith and seeking government intervention instead of resolving issues directly with the union.
The flight attendants are demanding higher wages and compensation for work performed while aircraft are on the ground. Prior to the strike, Air Canada had already begun scaling back operations, canceling 623 flights and affecting over 100,000 travelers as a part of the process. Daily estimates indicate that approximately 500 flights are expected to be impacted during the strike period.
Air Canada expressed regret about the disruptions but defended its compensation offer: a 38% total increase over four years, with a 25% rise in the first year. However, the union, CUPE, criticized this as insufficient, claiming it falls short of inflation and market standards, and leaves attendants unpaid during certain work hours.
With a staggering 99.7% of union members voting for strike action earlier this month, Canadian jobs minister Patty Hajdu has urged both parties to re-engage in negotiations to prevent a full-blown strike. Tensions have risen as CUPE accuses Air Canada of not negotiating in good faith and seeking government intervention instead of resolving issues directly with the union.
