Air Canada flight attendants' union persists in their work stoppage
Air Canada Strike Defied by Union, Causing Disruption and Binding Arbitration
The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), representing Air Canada flight attendants, defied a back-to-work order issued by the federal government, viewing it as a violation of their fundamental right to strike. The union's decision came after the strike began and the government ordered flight attendants back to work within 12 hours, declaring the strike unlawful.
The strike, which lasted less than a day, caused significant disruption, affecting about 3,000 flights and roughly 130,000 passengers daily. Air Canada was forced to suspend operations for Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge, while regional subsidiaries continued running. The airline faced massive losses and reopened negotiations due to the defiance and impact.
The strike began despite a back-to-work order from the Canada Industrial Relations Board. CUPE's 10,000 members had voted overwhelmingly (99.7%) to strike and chose to remain on strike to press their demands. The union planned to challenge the order in court.
Eventually, after binding arbitration was imposed and a mediated agreement was reached between CUPE and Air Canada, the union agreed to end the strike and allow employees to return to work. This led Air Canada to gradually resume flights.
The exact date and location of the strike are not specified. The strike caused more than 700 Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flights to be cancelled during the work stoppage, affecting air travel services.
Meanwhile, in unrelated news, a moose-adorned art car is causing jaws to drop on Vancouver Island. The byelection day in Alberta is approaching, with 214 candidates including Poilievre. First responders confirmed a drowning and located a body at Harrison Hot Springs.
- The disruption caused by the strike had an impact on Air Canada's financial performance within the aerospace industry, pushing the company to negotiate again.
- In addition to the disrupted business operations, the aerospace industry, which includes finance and banking, faced potential losses due to the cancellation of flights during the strike.
