The association representing Air Canada’s cabin crew has requested to skip mediation following a rejection of a pay deal by its members earlier this month, as stated by a spokesperson on Tuesday. A spokesperson for the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) affirmed the request to CBC News, mentioning that the union did not see potential for mediation to deliver satisfactory outcomes regarding wage raises for its members. The spokesperson emphasized the union’s pursuit of a swift process to provide monetary benefits to members and promptly conclude the matter.
Air Canada has acknowledged and accepted the union’s request, assuring that flight operations will proceed normally. The airline directed CBC News to a statement on its website confirming the agreement with the union’s decision. Air Canada disclosed that CUPE sought to bypass mediation and move directly to arbitration concerning wage matters.
Last month, Air Canada passengers encountered significant disruptions when flight cancellations were initiated in anticipation of a potential strike by its 10,000 flight attendants, which ultimately lasted three days. Labour Minister Patty Hajdu invoked Section 107 of the Canada Labour Code, prompting the Canada Industrial Relations Board to intervene and mandate workers to resume work.
Despite the order to return to work, union members persisted with the strike while negotiations continued. Although a tentative agreement was reached on August 19 between Air Canada and CUPE, the flight attendants rejected it earlier this month, leading to the wage dispute being referred back to mediation. The union asserts that the cabin crew it represents are not fairly compensated and are not adequately remunerated for their non-flight duty hours.
Meanwhile, CUPE’s WestJet unit declared its intent to negotiate a new collective agreement for its flight attendants, aiming for increased wages and an end to what it describes as uncompensated work. The current collective agreement is set to expire on December 31.
