Airline To Resume Operations After 4-Day Stoppage

Air Canada and the union representing 10,000 of its flight attendants have come to a mediated agreement that will enable the airline to gradually resume operations after the four-day strike.

The airline said the mediation discussions were begun only when the Canadian Union of Public Employees union committed to have the flight attendants return to work immediately.

The announcement was issued after the striking flight attendants refused to return to work on August 18 in defiance of an order from the Canadian Industrial Relations Board.

Michael Rousseau, CEO of Air Canada said, “Restarting a major carrier like Air Canada is a complex undertaking. We ask for our customers’ patience and understanding over the coming days.”

The carrier said it would have no additional comment on the agreement until the completion of the ratification process. According to the airline, a strike or lockout is not possible during any ratification or under the binding arbitration process. So that means customers can confidently plan and book a flight with Air Canada.

The airline said flights sere slated to begin the evening of August 19, but that passengers should expect 7-10 days for operations to return to normal, full regular service. This is primarily due to aircraft and crews being out of position.

Rousseau added, “The suspension of our service is extremely difficult for our customers. We deeply regret and apologize for the impact on them of this labor disruption. Our priority now is to get them moving as quickly as possible.”

Separately, the airline stated it “deeply regrets the impact the labor disruption has had on its customers, its stakeholders and the communities it serves.”

Air Canada workers began striking on August 16 after CUPE turned down the latest contract offer from the airlines saying it “fell below inflation, below market value, below minimum wage.”

FMI:  www.aircanada.com/