After a tumultuous weekend that saw widespread flight cancellations and disrupted travel plans, the strike by Air Canada’s cabin crew has officially concluded. According to the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents around 10,400 flight attendants, a tentative agreement has been reached with the airline.
Background of the Strike
The strike, which began on 16 August 2024, was prompted by ongoing disputes over compensation, particularly regarding time spent on the ground while attending to passengers. Until now, flight attendants were paid only when the aircraft was in motion, leading to significant frustration among the crew.
Details of the New Agreement
- Pay Increase: The new agreement includes a total compensation increase of 38% over four years.
- Initial Raise: A 25% raise for the first year was deemed necessary by the union.
- Additional Compensation: The agreement addresses issues related to unpaid work, particularly tasks such as boarding passengers.
The CUPE aimed to secure better terms in line with neighbouring US carriers who have made more substantial advances in recent contracts.
Government Intervention
During the strike, Canadian Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu sought to impose binding arbitration due to the potential negative impact on the economy. Following this intervention, many passengers, left stranded by the cancelled flights, expressed their support for the flight attendants through social media.
Final Thoughts
With this new agreement, thousands of passengers can once again book their travels with confidence. The strike, affecting over 700 flights daily, not only disrupted travel plans but also highlighted the necessity for fair labour practices in the airline industry.