Air Canada flight attendants contract: Here’s what you need to know
The union that represents 10,400 Air Canada flight attendants and the company are set to meet with a mediator shortly in an effort to negotiate a new agreement. However, should their talks falter, the airline might face a potential strike starting in mid-August.
Last week, CUPE, the union representing flight attendants, initiated conciliation proceedings after negotiations stalled. The agreement between Air Canada and CUPE members, valid for ten years, came to an end in March.
“Since 2015, everything has been different, yet the organization continues to ignore the truth,” stated Wesley Lesosky, who serves as the president of CUPE air component and is also an experienced flight attendant, in a formal announcement.
We have presented fair and reasonable offers that were long past due, yet the company seems to be delaying matters unnecessarily and isn’t treating the negotiation process with seriousness.
What’s the current situation?
With CUPE having initiated conciliation, both parties now await the appointment of a federal conciliator, a process that may last up to 15 days.
As soon as a conciliator is appointed, the discussions will carry on for a maximum of 60 days.
Should an agreement not be reached by that time, a 21-day cool-down phase will commence. Following this period, CUPE might issue a 72-hour strike notification.
“Air Canada stated via email that they will collaborate with the federal mediation and conciliation service to establish a new collective agreement with their flight attendant team, acknowledging the significant contributions of their flight attendants,” the airline noted.
Air Canada boasts a lengthy record of effective labour relations and productive negotiations with its workforce, which was once more evident recently.
The company settled a labour dispute with pilots in September after strike notice was served.
What are the issues?
According to the union, entry level pay for a flight attendant is about $1,950 a month. Fight attendants are based in Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary and Montreal, according to Air Canada.
CUPE wants flight attendants to be paid from the time they start setting up for pre-boarding. Currently flight attendants are only paid while planes are in motion, from the time it backs away from the gate to the time it lands and parks at another gate.
They do not receive compensation for aiding passengers with mobility issues, managing the boarding procedure, assisting with disembarking, or conducting pre-flight safety inspections. The union calculates that this additional workload amounts to approximately 35 hours per week, for which typical flight attendants are unpaid.
In April 2023, CUPE launched the “Unpaid Work Won’t Fly” campaign aimed at urging Ottawa to address a gap within the Labour Code that permits unpaid labor. Despite their efforts, they have not yet achieved the desired outcome.
The union has additionally suggested modifications to work schedules, safeguards against fatigue, and measures for ensuring secure retirements.
“Our workloads have increased dramatically, the cost of living has risen unbelievably high, and our working conditions are deteriorating daily,” Lesosky stated.
The current situation isn’t enough.
In a statement, Air Canada noted that the airline has diligently and in good faith endeavored to establish a new collective agreement from the beginning of 2025.
Air Canada continues to be dedicated to reaching a fair, mutually agreed-upon contract with CUPE through the standard negotiation procedures outlined in the Canada Labour Code,” the airline stated. “As such, travelers can keep booking and flying with assurance on Air Canada.
How soon could a strike happen?
Should mediation commence on Monday, May 26, and an accord fails to be achieved, the union might issue a strike notification on August 14 and proceed with industrial action on August 17.
I’m quite optimistic that Air Canada’s flight attendants will come to an agreement with the company,
Claire Newell
, who owns Travel Best Bets, stated. “Canceling flights is the last resort for airlines.”
If a strike occurs, it will probably last only a few days, according to Newell. “Nevertheless, during this period, a substantial number of travelers could be impacted.”
Are you considering rescheduling, altering, or cancelling your travel plans?
The airline says no.
The required mediation process will take place over the next several months, allowing customers to keep booking and traveling with Air Canada without any concerns.
Will I get a refund if a strike cancels my flight?
Newell said that if a passenger changes their booking in any way — by rebooking their ticket or if they seek a refund — before Air Canada cancels their flight due to a labour situation, they are at Air Canada’s mercy and subject to all of the airlines policies, terms and conditions.
Nevertheless, if they choose to wait, the airline will inform the passengers who are impacted if their flight gets canceled, and these passengers will qualify for a complete refund irrespective of the ticket price,” she explained. “There won’t be any cancellation charges.
According to the Air Passenger Protection Regulations, a labor disruption is deemed beyond Air Canada’s control, hence passengers do not receive monetary compensation for inconveniences faced.
When attempting to rebook travelers onto alternate flights, the airline usually tries; however, based on Newell’s observations, only a small number of passengers receive such alternatives due to restricted availability.
I’ve witnessed individuals who feel compelled to secure alternative travel arrangements by booking Plan B flights with another carrier that offers full refunds, should their initial plans be disrupted due to a strike. However, I realize this isn’t an accessible choice for everybody.