Latest news with #WilliamKaplan
TimesLIVE
7 hours ago
- Business
- TimesLIVE
Air Canada, cabin crew union hold first talks since strike began
Air Canada and the union representing 10,000 striking flight attendants held early discussions on Monday night, the union said, the first such talks in nearly a week. In a rare act of defiance, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (Cupe) remained on strike after the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) declared its action unlawful. Air Canada's unionised flight attendants walked off the job on Saturday after contract talks with the carrier failed, in a move that disrupted travel plans for hundreds of thousands of passengers. The union is in meetings with Air Canada, the country's largest carrier, with the assistance of mediator William Kaplan, in Toronto, Cupe said on Facebook. The strike is still on and talks have just commenced, it said. The two sides had not spoken since before the start of the strike. Earlier, Reuters reported the two sides were holding talks. A source said there are discussions being held on whether to hold formal mediation, but with the condition that the flight attendants return to work. Canadian jobs minister Patty Hajdu has been pushing the parties to return to the negotiating table and reach a collective agreement for workers as soon as possible. Air Canada CEO Mike Rousseau on Monday defended the airline's offer of a 38% boost in compensation to striking flight attendants but said there was a big gap with the union's demand and did not offer a path to return to negotiations. Hours later, Hajdu raised pressure on Air Canada, saying she was launching a probe into airline pay and a negotiated agreement between workers and the company would produce 'the best deal'. Hajdu and Rousseau's comments followed the union's refusal of a federal labour board's order to return to work. That has created a three-way standoff between the company, workers and the government and raised the stakes in a dispute that has disrupted flights for hundreds of thousands of travellers during tourist season.
Cision Canada
8 hours ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
Air Canada to Gradually Resume Service Today after Reaching a Mediated Settlement with its Flight Attendant Union Français
Customers may book and fly with confidence MONTRÉAL, Aug. 19, 2025 /CNW/ - Air Canada said it will gradually restart its operations today after reaching a mediated agreement with the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) through a process overseen by a mutually agreed-to mediator, William Kaplan. Mediation discussions were begun on the basis that the union commit to have the airline's 10,000 flight attendants immediately return to work, allowing the airline to resume the operations of Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge, which have been grounded since August 16. "The suspension of our service is extremely difficult for our customers. We deeply regret and apologize for the impact on them of this labour disruption. Our priority now is to get them moving as quickly as possible. Restarting a major carrier like Air Canada is a complex undertaking. Full restoration may require a week or more, so we ask for our customers' patience and understanding over the coming days. I assure them that everyone at Air Canada is doing everything possible to enable them to travel soon," said Michael Rousseau, President and Chief Executive Officer of Air Canada. The first flights are scheduled for the evening of August 19, but customers are advised that the airline's return to full, regular service may require seven-to-ten days as aircraft and crew are out of position. During this process, some flights will be cancelled over the next seven to ten days until the schedule is stabilized. Only customers with confirmed bookings whose flights are shown as operating should go to the airport (check your flight's status on or on the Air Canada mobile app before going to the airport). Air Canada will offer options to those with cancelled flights, including obtaining a full refund or receiving a credit for future travel. The carrier will also offer to rebook customers on other airlines, although capacity is currently limited due to the peak summer travel season. As is customary, Air Canada will not comment on the agreement until the ratification process is complete. During any ratification or under the binding arbitration process, a strike or lockout is not possible, meaning customers can plan, book and travel with Air Canada with certainty. About Air Canada Air Canada is Canada's largest airline, the country's flag carrier and a founding member of Star Alliance, the world's most comprehensive air transportation network. Air Canada provides scheduled service directly to more than 180 airports in Canada, the United States and Internationally on six continents. It holds a Four-Star ranking from Skytrax. Air Canada's Aeroplan program is Canada's premier travel loyalty program, where members can earn or redeem points on the world's largest airline partner network of 45 airlines, plus through an extensive range of merchandise, hotel and car rental partners. Through Air Canada Vacations, it offers more travel choices than any other Canadian tour operator to hundreds of destinations worldwide, with a wide selection of hotels, flights, cruises, day tours, and car rentals. Its freight division, Air Canada Cargo, provides air freight lift and connectivity to hundreds of destinations across six continents using Air Canada's passenger and freighter aircraft. Air Canada's climate-related ambition includes a long-term aspirational goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. For additional information, please see Air Canada's TCFD disclosure. Air Canada shares are publicly traded on the TSX in Canada and the OTCQX in the US. Media Resources: Photos Videos B-Roll Articles SOURCE Air Canada
Time of India
11 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Air Canada strike chaos: Flight attendants defy tribunal, risk jail, and leave 500,000 passengers stranded worldwide
Air Canada's cabin crew have extended their strike into a fourth day, ignoring a federal labour board order to return to work. The decision has left around 500,000 passengers stranded worldwide and created a three-way standoff between the airline, workers, and the government. Union defies tribunal order The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents roughly 10,000 flight attendants, announced it would continue strike action until the airline addresses long-standing demands for wage increases and pay for unpaid ground duties, such as boarding. The Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) earlier declared the strike unlawful, but CUPE has said members are prepared to face fines or jail. Union president Mark Hancock said, 'If it means folks like me going to jail, then so be it.' Ongoing talks and mediation pressure CUPE confirmed it met with Air Canada representatives and mediator William Kaplan in Toronto, though the strike continues. A government source suggested mediation might only move forward if crews first return to work. Employment Minister Patty Hajdu urged both sides to engage in mediation and also promised an investigation into allegations of unpaid ground work, a core issue for flight attendants. This is HUGE:The Air Canada CEO just admitted on TV that he had no plan except for his SECRET BACKROOM DEAL WITH CARNEY to bust the strike using Section 107He and Carney assumed workers would roll overThey assumed wrong Airline offer vs union demands Air Canada CEO defended the airline's proposal of a 38% increase in total compensation, telling Reuters there is still 'a big gap' with union expectations. CUPE maintains the proposal would only raise base wages by 17.2% over four years. Last week, Air Canada detailed that by 2027, a senior flight attendant would earn about CAN$87,000 annually. The union has rejected the offer as inadequate. Impact on passengers The strike has severely disrupted travel during the peak summer season. Air Canada, Canada's largest airline, normally carries 130,000 passengers daily as part of the Star Alliance network. Retiree Klaus Hickman, who rebooked on another airline after missing a flight, said he sympathised with the workers but worried about reaching Germany on time for health reasons. Others, like James Numfor from Regina, have been stranded in airports. Numfor, returning from Cameroon for a family funeral, said his family has been sleeping in Toronto's airport after the airline covered just one night in a hotel. Wider labour reactions Other unions have rallied behind CUPE. The Canadian Labour Congress, representing 3 million workers, said it is prepared to offer legal and financial support. 'All cards are on the table in terms of what unions are prepared to do,' said president Bea Bruske. The Air Line Pilots' Association also voiced solidarity, encouraging pilots to join picket lines in their free time. Government response Prime Minister Mark Carney described the breakdown in negotiations as 'disappointing,' noting that eight months of talks had failed to resolve key issues. He acknowledged the vital role of flight attendants but pointed to the uncertainty facing hundreds of thousands of travelers. The government has limited options, including court enforcement of the tribunal's order or passing back-to-work legislation when Parliament resumes on September 15. Flight attendants on the line in Winnipeg. They have been joined by Westjet work has got to go!#aircanadastrike #UnpaidWorkWontFly Employers' concerns The strike has also drawn criticism from employer groups. Daniel Safayeni, president of Federally Regulated Employers - Transportation and Communications (Fetco), said defying the order undermines the country's labour system. 'That is not labour relations, it's a reckless path that erodes trust in the system, weakens our global reputation, and undermines economic stability,' he said. Standoff continues With mediation uncertain, government pressure increasing, and unions refusing to back down, Air Canada's labour dispute has become a test case for organized labour in the country. For now, passengers remain stranded, and the strike continues without resolution.
Zawya
11 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Air Canada cabin crew strike enters day four as talks resume
MONTREAL/TORONTO: Air Canada flight attendants extended their strike into a fourth day on Tuesday, although the union said both sides had resumed talks as hundreds of thousands of passengers had flights canceled during the busy summer travel season. The Canadian Union of Public Employees' (CUPE) refusal to follow a federal labor board order for the flight attendants to return to work has created a three-way standoff between the company, workers, and the government. It has also raised the stakes in a dispute that is now closely watched by other labor groups. The union had met with Air Canada and mediator William Kaplan in Toronto, CUPE said in a statement on Facebook late Monday. The strike is still on, it said. The two sides had not spoken since before the strike began. A source said there are discussions being held on whether to hold mediation, but with the condition that the flight attendants return to work. Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu had urged both sides to consider government mediation and raised pressure on Air Canada, promising to investigate allegations of unpaid work in the airline sector, a key complaint of flight attendants who say they are not paid for work on the ground. Flight attendants have for months argued new contracts should include pay for work done on the ground, such as boarding passengers. Air Canada's CEO in a Reuters interview defended the airline's offer of a 38% boost to flight attendants' total compensation on Monday but acknowledged a big gap with the union's demands and stopped short of offering plans to break the deadlock. The union has said Air Canada's offer only accounts for 17.2% higher wages over four years. CUPE's leader said earlier he would risk jail time rather than allow cabin crews to be forced back to work by the labor board, which declared the strike unlawful. The union says the strike will continue until the carrier negotiates on wages and unpaid work, even after the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) declared the strike unlawful. Retiree Klaus Hickman missed a flight to Toronto earlier in the week. While he rebooked on another airline, he was concerned about returning to Calgary on time for a connecting flight to Germany. Hickman sympathizes with workers demanding better pay but is worried about his own health and travel challenges. "They want to get more money to survive. And so it is with everybody else," he said. Canada's largest carrier normally carries 130,000 people daily and is part of the global Star Alliance of airlines. SLEEPING IN AIRPORTS James Numfor, 38, from Regina, Saskatchewan, has been stranded in Toronto for two nights since returning from Cameroon for his brother's funeral. Air Canada only provided one night in a hotel for his family before leaving them without further support, he said. "We sleep in the airport ... we find any place comfortable with the kids, they just lay down," Numfor said. Numfor said passengers feel abandoned in a dispute between management and unions. The government's options to force an end to the strike include asking courts to enforce the order to return to work and seeking an expedited hearing. The minority government could also try to pass legislation that would need the support of political rivals and approval in both houses of parliament, which are on break until September 15, but has so far been cautious. Other labor organizations are voicing support for the flight attendants. Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress, Canada's largest labor organization, told Reuters they are ready to join the Air Canada strike if necessary. "All cards are on the table in terms of what unions are prepared to do to ramp up a fightback campaign," said Bruske, whose organization represents 3 million workers across Canada. Help could include financial contributions to cover legal costs for CUPE, she said. Air Canada's pilot union, the Air Line Pilots' Association, said it encouraged its members to join the picket lines during their time off. "Air Canada pilots support our flight attendant colleagues in their ongoing struggle to achieve the fair contract they have earned," it said in a statement. "This is an important moment for organized labor across Canada."
The Independent
11 hours ago
- Business
- The Independent
Air Canada cabin crew strike disruption continues as talks resume
Air Canada flight attendants ' strike entered its fourth day on Tuesday, causing widespread disruption for hundreds of thousands of summer travellers, despite the union confirming that talks with the airline have resumed. creating a tense three-way standoff involving the company, the workers, and the government. This dispute is now being closely watched by other labour organisations. CUPE stated on Facebook late Monday that its representatives had met with Air Canada and mediator William Kaplan in Toronto, but stressed that the industrial action remains ongoing. The two parties had not engaged in discussions since before the strike began. A source indicated that any further mediation is contingent on the flight attendants returning to their duties. Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu has urged both sides to accept government mediation. She has also increased pressure on Air Canada by pledging to investigate allegations of unpaid work within the airline sector – a key grievance for flight attendants who argue they are not compensated for tasks performed on the ground, such as boarding passengers. This demand for pay for ground duties has been a central part of their contract negotiations for months. Air Canada's CEO defended the airline's offer of a 38 per cent boost to flight attendants' total compensation on Monday but acknowledged a big gap with the union's demands and stopped short of offering plans to break the deadlock. The union has said Air Canada's offer only accounts for 17.2 per cent higher wages over four years. CUPE's leader said earlier he would risk jail time rather than allow cabin crews to be forced back to work by the labour board, which declared the strike unlawful. The union says the strike will continue until the carrier negotiates on wages and unpaid work, even after the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) declared the strike unlawful. Retiree Klaus Hickman missed a flight to Toronto earlier in the week. While he rebooked on another airline, he was concerned about returning to Calgary on time for a connecting flight to Germany. Hickman sympathises with workers demanding better pay but is worried about his own health and travel challenges. "They want to get more money to survive. And so it is with everybody else," he said. Canada's largest carrier normally carries 130,000 people daily and is part of the global Star Alliance of airlines. Sleeping in airports James Numfor, 38, from Regina, Saskatchewan, has been stranded in Toronto for two nights since returning from Cameroon for his brother's funeral. Air Canada only provided one night in a hotel for his family before leaving them without further support, he said. "We sleep in the airport (...) we find any place comfortable with the kids, they just lay down," Numfor said. Numfor said passengers feel abandoned in a dispute between management and unions. The government's options to force an end to the strike include asking courts to enforce the order to return to work and seeking an expedited hearing. The minority government could also try to pass legislation that would need the support of political rivals and approval in both houses of parliament, which are on break until September 15, but has so far been cautious. Other labour organisations are voicing support for the flight attendants. Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress, Canada's largest labour organisation, told Reuters they are ready to join the Air Canada strike if necessary. "All cards are on the table in terms of what unions are prepared to do to ramp up a fightback campaign," said Bruske, whose organisation represents 3 million workers across Canada. Help could include financial contributions to cover legal costs for CUPE, she said. Air Canada's pilot union, the Air Line Pilots' Association, said it encouraged its members to join the picket lines during their time off. "Air Canada pilots support our flight attendant colleagues in their ongoing struggle to achieve the fair contract they have earned," it said in a statement. "This is an important moment for organised labour across Canada."
