Major Rejection Shakes Air Canada Flight Attendants

In a striking move, Air Canada flight attendants have decisively turned down the airline's wage proposal, sending the contentious issue straight to mediation. This latest development comes on the heels of a previous labor dispute that had already seen workers taking to the picket lines, forcing flights to a screeching halt.

Mediation on the Horizon

Last month, Ottawa stepped in to legislate workers back to their posts just hours after the protests began. However, flight attendants stood their ground, only returning to work upon the announcement of a tentative deal. Yet, with a staggering 99% of those voting rejecting the agreement, the wage negotiations are far from over.

No Strikes, But Mediation is Key

Both Air Canada and the union, CUPE, have agreed to refrain from any labor disruptions at this juncture, ensuring that flights will proceed as scheduled with no strike or lockout imminent. While this brings relief to travelers, the underlying wage disputes will be addressed in mediation—and if needed, arbitration.

A Step Forward for Compensation

In an encouraging turn of events, the tentative agreement does include provisions for compensation for work performed on the ground. CUPE celebrates this as “important progress” towards eliminating unpaid labor, reflecting a growing recognition of the contributions flight attendants make, even when they’re not in the air.

What's Next?

With mediation on the table, the pressure is on both sides to come to an amicable resolution. Flight attendants are hopeful that this process will lead to fair wages and agreements—keeping the skies safe and service-oriented.