The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), representing Air Canada flight attendants, has issued a 72-hour strike notice as negotiations with the airline have reached a standstill. This potential work stoppage is set to begin on August 16, 2024. In anticipation of the strike, Air Canada has also issued a 72-hour lock-out notice, indicating that preparations to suspend flights are underway. This situation marks the first complete shutdown of Air Canada due to labor disputes since the airline’s pilots conducted an 11-day strike in 1998.
The forthcoming strike could significantly disrupt air travel during the busy summer season. Air Canada and its subsidiary, Air Canada Rouge, transport approximately 130,000 passengers daily, with around 25,000 of those returning to Canada from international destinations. Under Canada’s Air Passenger Protection Rights, these passengers are entitled to fair treatment and recourse in the event of flight cancellations, raising concerns about the airline’s ability to accommodate travelers on other carriers.
Flight cancellations could lead to widespread disruptions, affecting vacation plans and family gatherings. Air Canada has stated it will offer refunds to passengers if suitable alternate arrangements cannot be found, but the limited capacity on competing airlines may complicate the situation further.
Negotiations Stalled Over Wages and Working Conditions
Negotiations between CUPE and Air Canada have been ongoing since March, but discussions have stalled primarily over issues of wages and working conditions. CUPE has highlighted that junior flight attendants’ salaries are significantly below the Canadian minimum wage. An analysis of collective agreement wage rates suggests that current wages for Air Canada flight attendants would need to increase by approximately 32 to 34 percent to match the purchasing power of 2014 salaries adjusted for inflation.
The union argues that Air Canada compensates flight attendants only when the aircraft’s brakes are released at departure until they are applied upon arrival. This policy means that any pre-flight or post-flight duties go unpaid, with CUPE estimating that flight attendants perform around 35 hours of unpaid work each month.
Efforts to address this issue have been ongoing for years. In October 2024, NDP MP Bonita Zarrillo introduced private member’s Bill C-415, aimed at amending the Canada Labour Code to ensure flight attendants are compensated for all time spent on pre-flight and post-flight duties, as well as mandatory training. Although the bill received First Reading in Parliament, it did not progress, expiring at the end of the parliamentary session in January 2025. Nonetheless, public support for such legislation remains robust, as indicated by a recent letter from the Leader of the Opposition to the Minister of Labour.
High Stakes for Air Canada and Flight Attendants
As negotiations continue, both CUPE and Air Canada have adopted distinct strategies. CUPE has been upfront about its objectives, advocating for wage increases necessary for flight attendants, particularly junior staff, to achieve a living wage and compensation for unpaid work. This stance has received overwhelming backing, evidenced by a 99.7 percent vote in favor of a strike if negotiations do not yield results.
In contrast, Air Canada’s approach reflects its earlier negotiations with pilots, relying on government intervention to encourage a resolution. The airline ultimately conceded to many of the pilots’ demands late in the process, which raises questions about whether a similar tactic will be employed this time around as the August 16 strike deadline approaches.
If a strike occurs, Air Canada could face estimated financial losses ranging from $50 to $60 million per day, a scenario that would likely prompt the airline to return to the negotiation table quickly. Historical context suggests that previous contract discussions have been fraught with political complexities, an element that many industry observers thought had diminished.
In the event of a strike, the ramifications will extend beyond the airline, affecting numerous passengers reliant on Air Canada for their travel plans. The outcome of these negotiations will be pivotal, not just for employees but for the airline’s operational stability during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
