The union representing Air Canada flight attendants is notifying Canadians of a “national action” set to take place on Aug. 11.
“This mobilization aims to raise awareness among Canadians about ongoing issues related to flight attendants’ working conditions and to highlight their essential role in ensuring safety on board and the smooth operation of air transport,” the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) wrote in its statement.
Last Tuesday, CUPE voted almost unanimously, 99.7 per cent, to authorize a strike action. If a deal is not reached and workers decide to strike, they could give 72-hours’ notice as early as Aug. 13, meaning a strike could happen as soon as Aug. 16.
CUPE is asking for higher wages and the elimination of unpaid labour hours for Air Canada flight attendants, as one of their key concerns is only being paid while they are in the air, meaning pre- and post-flight work is unpaid.
The Canadian Press reported that the airline is “not yet considering flight cancellations or postponements as it is focused on reaching a deal before then.” The airline is also saying that a strike vote from the union is a “normal step in the negotiation process.”
CUPE hopes that members won’t have to walk off the job, but it wants to see how Air Canada responds to the strike possibility.
If CUPE members do strike, Air Canada would be on the hook for all their passengers’ flights.
Under Canadian law, Air Canada must provide alternate means for passengers to get to their destinations. That could even mean paying for flights on competing airlines.
Gabor Lukacs, president of Air Passenger Rights, told CTV that any potential refunds offered instead of alternate flights are “a trap.” He warned passengers not to rush to accept any potential flight refunds in case a strike does occur.
“If you accept a refund, then Air Canada can wash its hands from your alternate transportation,” Lukacs said.
With files from Canadian Press and CTV Vancouver
Correction
An earlier version of this story reported that demonstrations on Aug. 11 “could mean walking off the job.” The union has voted to authorize a strike mandate but has not yet decided to take action, and would need to give 72 hours’ notice.
