Air Canada Faces Shutdown Amid Flight Attendants' Strike

Air Canada Faces Potential Strike as Flight Cancellations Increase

Air Canada is preparing for a potential strike by its flight attendants, which could significantly disrupt air travel. The airline has already canceled hundreds of flights, affecting over 100,000 passengers. This move comes ahead of the threatened work stoppage that could lead to a complete shutdown of operations.

The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), representing approximately 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants, has the legal right to strike starting at 12:01 am on Saturday. This follows the delivery of a 72-hour strike notice on Wednesday. According to reports from the public broadcaster CBC, the labor action could begin around 1:00 am if no last-minute agreement is reached.

Air Canada, which transports about 130,000 passengers daily, has stated it will gradually reduce operations in anticipation of the possible strike. As of 8:00 pm on Friday, the airline had canceled 623 flights, impacting more than 100,000 travelers. These cancellations are expected to increase as the situation develops.

Key Demands from the Union

In addition to seeking wage increases, the union is pushing for better compensation for ground work, including during the boarding process. Rafael Gomez, who leads the University of Toronto's Center for Industrial Relations, explained that it is common practice globally to compensate flight attendants based on the time they spend in the air.

Gomez noted that the union has effectively communicated its concerns, creating a public perception of unfairness. He pointed out that an average passenger might not be aware of industry practices and could think, "I'm waiting to board the plane and there's a flight attendant helping me, but they're technically not being paid for that work." He emphasized that this issue is effective in highlighting the union's demands.

Air Canada's Latest Offer

Air Canada outlined its latest proposal in a statement released on Thursday. The offer includes terms where a senior flight attendant would earn an average of CAN$87,000 ($65,000) by 2027. However, CUPE has criticized these offers as being below inflation and market value. The union has also declined requests from both the federal government and Air Canada to resolve the dispute through independent arbitration.

Potential Impact of the Strike

Gomez suggested that if the flight attendants proceed with the strike, it is unlikely to last long. He pointed out that it is peak season, and Air Canada does not want to lose hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue. "They're almost playing chicken with the flight attendants," he said.

This ongoing conflict highlights the challenges airlines face in balancing employee demands with operational efficiency. As the situation unfolds, both the airline and the union will need to find a resolution that addresses the concerns of flight attendants while minimizing disruption for passengers.