Flying with Air Canada this week? You might want to check your booking. The airline is preparing to shut down most of its flights after giving a 72-hour lockout notice in response to strike action from its flight attendants’ union.
The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents about 10,000 flight attendants at Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge, says it plans to strike as early as August 16. Air Canada will start cancelling flights on August 14, with more cancellations August 15, and a full stop to mainline and Rouge flights by August 16.
Regional flights run by Jazz and PAL Airlines will keep operating, but they only handle about 20% of the airline’s daily passengers. That means around 130,000 people a day — including 25,000 Canadians flying home from abroad — could be affected.
In a statement published on August 13, Air Canada said the lockout is meant to reduce last-minute chaos and allow for an “orderly shutdown.” The airline says it has been negotiating for eight months and offered a four-year deal with a 38% pay increase, ground pay, better pensions, more crew rest, and no givebacks from the union. CUPE turned down the proposal and rejected an offer for binding arbitration.
Air Canada says it has now asked the federal government to order binding arbitration under the Canada Labour Code. “Our latest offer would have made our flight attendants the best compensated in Canada,” CEO Michael Rousseau said, adding that the company still wants to talk but sees arbitration as the surest way to avoid extended disruption.
Passengers with cancelled flights can get a full refund or rebook at no cost. The airline says it is working with other carriers to find seats, but warns summer demand means options will be limited. Travellers are being told not to go to the airport unless their flight is confirmed and showing as on time.
You can check your flight status and see Air Canada’s full passenger advisory on the airline’s website.
This is a developing story. Check back for more details.
