Air Canada Strike
The Canadian Minister of Labor, Patty Hajdu, announced on Saturday that more than 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants who went on strike early Saturday will return to work from the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB).
Suspension of Operations
Air Canada, the country’s largest airline, had suspended all operations after the strike. At a press conference in Ottawa, Hajdu said that she instructed the CIRB to resume Air Canada and its employees’ business activities and duties to secure industrial peace and protect Canada, Canadians, and the economy.
Government Intervention
The government intervened in Section 107 of the Canadian Labor Code, which enables the minister to head a referee to intervene in the dispute. Air Canada had asked the government to intervene with Section 107 on Tuesday.
Union Demands
The Air Canada component of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (Cupe) is seeking wage increases and paid compensation for work when there are aircraft on site. The flight attendants of the airline overwhelmingly agreed to the system-wide interruption of work, with 99.7% in favor of the strike.
Arbitration Process
The CIRB will be involved in achieving an agreement and will expand the conditions of the existing collective agreement. Air Canada said it offered an increase in total remuneration by 38% over four years and an hourly increase from 12% to 16% in the first year.
Flight Cancellations
A total of 662 Air Canada flights were canceled, including 342 domestic and 320 international flights. According to Flightsware, 86% of Air Canada flights and 96% of Air Canada Rouge flights were canceled.
Impact on Travelers
The effects of the work interruption in Air Canada will already be felt by travelers, causing considerable damage and having a negative effect on Canadians and the Canadian economy. Westjet, Canada’s second-largest airline, said it is positioning large aircraft on key routes and adding a limited number of additional flights.
Return to Normal Services
When asked when flights would become normal again, Hajdu said that the CIRB would review statements from both Air Canada and workers before deciding whether to intervene. The process can sometimes take 24 to 48 hours before the board has completed this work. Air Canada said it could take between 5 and 10 days before regular services can be resumed.
