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Air Canada Flight Attendants on Brink of Strike as Union Demands Fair Compensation
The Canadian airline industry is bracing for potential labor unrest as Air Canada flight attendants, represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), prepare to take action over unfair compensation practices. The union has been negotiating with Air Canada since December 11, but progress has been slow, leaving many workers feeling underpaid and undervalued.
The Issue of Unpaid Work
At the heart of the dispute is the issue of unpaid work. Flight attendants are expected to perform a range of duties before and after flights, including preparing aircraft, checking safety equipment, and assisting passengers. However, they are only paid for their time in-flight, leaving many workers struggling to make ends meet.
"We’re not asking for much," said CUPE National Representative Shannon Gillis. "We just want to be paid fairly for the work we do. It’s not too much to ask."
Stagnant Wages and Eroding Purchasing Power
The issue of unpaid work is compounded by stagnant wages over the past decade, which have eroded purchasing power for flight attendants. Starting salaries at Air Canada are around $27,000 annually, which is barely enough to cover living expenses in many cities.
"It’s not uncommon for a flight attendant to work 14 hours but receive pay for only six or eight hours," said CUPE National Representative Lesosky. "This has forced many workers to take on additional jobs just to make ends meet."
Industry Trends and Legislative Support
The issue of unpaid work is not unique to Air Canada, but is a broader concern across the airline industry. In the United States, airlines such as Delta have introduced compensation for pre-flight duties, such as boarding.
"Why are Canadian flight attendants excluded from a minimum standard that applies to every other worker?" asked Lesosky.
To address this issue, CUPE is backing Bill C-415, a proposed federal law that seeks to standardize pay practices for flight attendants across Canada. Introduced by NDP member of Parliament Bonita Zarrillo in October 2024, the bill aims to ensure that flight attendants are paid for all mandated duties, including those carried out before and after flights.
Negotiations and Potential Labor Action
Since negotiations with Air Canada began on December 11, CUPE has been focused on achieving a deal without resorting to a strike. However, if an agreement cannot be reached, the union is prepared to take action.
"Our goal is to reach an agreement that satisfies our members and avoids disruption to passengers," said Lesosky. "But it’s time for Air Canada to recognize the value of its flight attendants and compensate them fairly."
The outcome of these negotiations will have far-reaching implications for the airline industry, with potential labor unrest set to spread across Canada if a resolution is not reached.
Timeline
- December 11: Negotiations between CUPE and Air Canada begin
- October 2024: Bill C-415 introduced by NDP member of Parliament Bonita Zarrillo
Note: The article has been rewritten to improve clarity, coherence, and style. The content remains the same as the original article.
