The labor union representing Air Canada’s cabin crew has decided to halt mediation efforts following the rejection of a proposed wage deal by its members earlier this month. The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) spokesperson stated that the union has opted for a more expedited process to secure favorable wage increases for its members, citing a lack of confidence in the mediation’s outcome.
Air Canada has accepted the union’s request to bypass mediation and proceed directly to arbitration regarding the wage component. The airline assured that normal flight operations will continue amidst this development. The recent disruption of Air Canada flights due to a potential strike by its 10,000 flight attendants, which lasted three days, prompted government intervention led by Labour Minister Patty Hajdu invoking Section 107 of the Canada Labour Code.
Despite a tentative agreement reached between Air Canada and CUPE on August 19, the flight attendants voted against it, leading back to mediation on the wage matter. CUPE maintains that its members are not fairly compensated and seek resolution for unpaid work issues. In a related development, CUPE’s WestJet branch has announced plans to negotiate a new collective agreement for its flight attendants, aiming for improved wages and an end to perceived unpaid work practices as their current agreement expires on December 31.