Air Canada Faces Operational Crisis Due to Mass Flight Attendant Absenteeism Ahead of Potential Strike
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Tensions between Air Canada and its cabin crew have escalated in the last few hours, following the airline's report that nearly 300 of its flight attendants did not report for work on Thursday night, a figure that doubles the usual average. This situation has led to additional cancellations across its flight network, deepening the uncertainty for thousands of passengers on the eve of a potential complete shutdown of activities.
In a statement, the airline expressed, "We regret the inconvenience to customers." The carrier is currently winding down its operations in anticipation of an imminent strike called by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents over 10,000 flight attendants, and is expected to begin in the early hours of Saturday, August 16.
The labor dispute, which has been ongoing for nine months, centers on wage claims and, fundamentally, on compensation for non-flight hours. The union argues that flight attendants perform critical safety and service duties during boarding and on the ground that are not paid. According to CUPE, the airline's latest offer, which included a 38% increase in total compensation over four years, is insufficient and fails to cover the accumulated inflation since the last contract in 2015.
Amid this conflict, Air Canada also addressed a sensitive point in its communications. The company reminded its flight attendants that "we will be repatriating them in the event of a strike despite CUPE rejecting the agreement to fly Canadians home." This statement underscores the complex negotiations that also cover operational protocols in the event of a service disruption.
The Conflict in Detail
Who is involved? Air Canada and more than 10,000 of its flight attendants, represented by CUPE.
What is the main issue? The union is demanding better wages and pay for all hours worked, including on-ground duties before takeoff, which are currently not fully compensated.
What is happening now? An unusually high number of flight attendants have not reported for work, and the airline has begun preemptively canceling flights.
When could the strike begin? CUPE has issued a 72-hour strike notice that could take effect from Saturday, August 16, the same date Air Canada could also initiate a lockout.
The airline has already started proactively canceling flights to, as it claims, carry out an "orderly wind-down" of its operations and minimize chaos for travelers. It is estimated that a full shutdown could affect 130,000 passengers per day. The company is offering no-fee flight changes and full refunds to customers affected by the cancellations.
Meanwhile, the Canadian government, through the Minister of Employment, Patty Hajdu, has urged both parties to remain at the bargaining table, with the assistance of federal mediators who are working to find a solution. However, positions appear to be far apart, with CUPE accusing the airline of not negotiating in good faith and Air Canada maintaining that the union's intransigence is forcing it to take drastic measures to protect its operational integrity.
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