Air Canada Strike Resolved: Flights to Resume, delays Expected
Air Canada and the Canadian Public Service Syndicate (SCFP), representing 10,000 in-flight attendants, have reached an agreement in principle, ending a strike that began Saturday. Flights are expected to resume Tuesday evening, though disruptions are anticipated for at least a week as the airline works to reposition aircraft and crews.
The core issue driving the strike was compensation for work performed outside of scheduled flight hours. The union has stated the agreement “ends unpaid work” and preserves members’ right to vote on their salaries. Details of the agreement are pending presentation to union members during virtual meetings.
Impact on Travelers: Air Canada advises only passengers with confirmed reservations and flights showing as scheduled should go to the airport. The airline anticipates cancellations in the coming days as it stabilizes it’s schedule, possibly lasting seven to ten days. Customers are urged to be patient and understanding.
Government Intervention & Legal Challenges: The federal government initially intervened, invoking Article 107 of the Labor Code to enforce arbitration. This was challenged by the union, and the Canadian Industrial Relations Council deemed the strike illegal on Monday. Despite this, the union continued to strike until the agreement was reached.
Political Response: Canada Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed relief at the agreement, hoping it will ensure fair compensation for in-flight attendants and resolve disruptions for the estimated 500,000 affected travelers.
I’m relieved to learn that Canada and the Canadian Public Service Union concluded a provisional agreement earlier this morning.
I hope this agreement will allow on -board agents to receive fair remuneration at all times, and that it will end …
– mark Carney (@MarkJCarney)
