If you have upcoming travel plans with Air Canada, you’ll want to confirm your flights before heading to the airport!
Early Wednesday morning, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) representing 10,000 flight attendants gave notice that contract talks had reached an impasse over wages and unpaid work, issuing a 72-hour strike notice.
Air Canada is set to begin suspending flights as of Thursday, August 14, warning travellers without confirmed bookings not to go to the airport. The disruption could affect 130,000 customers a day, according to the airline.
They also stated flights will be cancelled in stages before a full shutdown of all Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge begins at 1 a.m. EST Saturday. Any customers with cancelled flights will get full refunds, and Air Canada claims it will work with other airlines to offer alternate travel options, though they may be delayed or limited.
Air Canada’s latest offer of a 38 per cent total compensation increase over four years was rejected by CUPE, as the union stated that the proposal falls below inflation, market rates, and minimum wage, and still leaves flight attendants unpaid for certain duties like boarding, safety protocols, and waiting at airports.
While the carrier proposed paying flight attendants 50 per cent of their wage for work done on the ground, the union wants 100 per cent.
Travellers should check directly with Air Canada for updates.