The planned Saturday strike between Air Canada and its flight attendants continues without resolution despite government efforts to restart negotiations. The upcoming walkout threatens to affect 100,000 passengers while forcing the cancellation of 500 flights.
The Canadian Union of Public Employees which represents 10,000 cabin crew members demands better wages together with payment for their unpaid work. The airline has issued a lockout notice and stopped negotiations because it demands meaningful discussions to proceed.
The last-minute agreement to postpone the strike for crew members abroad failed on Thursday evening because both parties accused each other of responsibility. The airline stated that passenger rejection could result in an additional 25,000 people becoming stranded.
The main point of contention involves industry standards for flight attendant compensation which only applies when the plane moves because unions seek to change this practice. The strike threat occurs during the busiest summer travel period which forces Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government to take action.
