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Edmonton Journal

Air Canada flight attendants on strike, airline's flights cancelled

Article content Although the government hasn't said it will intervene, the union seemed to imply throughout the week that the writing could be on the wall. Article content CUPE accused Air Canada of refusing to bargain in good faith 'due to the likelihood of the federal government using Section 107 of the Canada Labour Code to interfere in negotiations and have a contract imposed by an outside third-party arbitrator.' Article content The union has said its main sticking points revolve around wages that have been outpaced by inflation during the course of its previous 10-year contract, along with unpaid labour when planes aren't in the air. Article content 'Air Canada still refuses to compensate flight attendants for all hours worked,' said CUPE's press release. Article content 'The union has been firm: all safety-related duties should be paid at full hourly rate. Air Canada does not agree. On wages, Air Canada's last offer will still leave flight attendants living below poverty levels for many years to come.' Article content Article content On Friday, the union released polling by Abacus Data indicating that 59 per cent of Canadians believe the federal government should respect flight attendants' right to take job action, even if it causes travel disruptions. Article content The weighted survey of 1,500 respondents, conducted Thursday and Friday, said 88 per cent of Canadians believe flight attendants should be paid for all work-related duties including boarding, delays and safety checks. Article content Four-in-five respondents said they support raising flight attendant pay to meet the rising cost-of-living. Article content Air Canada has said its latest proposal included a 38 per cent increase in total compensation over four years, including a new provision for ground pay 'that is industry-leading in Canada.' Article content The proposal would provide 'significant improvements' to health benefits and pension plans, an increase to paid vacation and measures to address union concerns about rest and work-life balance, the airline said. Article content Article content 'It will make Air Canada flight attendants the best compensated in Canada,' the company said, adding its cabin crew already earn up to $17 more per hour than their counterparts at Air Canada's largest domestic competitor. Article content Air Canada cancelled more than 600 flights over the past two days in preparation for a potential work stoppage, affecting 100,000 passengers. Article content It said it will notify customers with imminent travel of additional cancelled flights and their options. Article content The airline has said passengers whose flights are cancelled will be offered a full refund or the opportunity to change their travel plans without a fee. Article content It added it strongly advises affected customers not to go to the airport unless they have a confirmed ticket on an airline other than Air Canada or Air Canada Rouge. Article content As for Pringnitz and her family, she noted there was an option for travellers to go the United States. but was told there wouldn't be any further assistance once they landed in the U.S.