Flight attendants at Air Canada heavily reject proposed agreement with the airline
In a surprising turn of events, Air Canada flight attendants have voted to reject a tentative agreement that ended a three-day strike last month. The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents more than 10,000 flight attendants, announced an overwhelming majority of voters rejected the deal.
The high level of cohesion and discipline among the flight attendants was evident as 95% of them voted in the referendum. However, the rejection of the agreement has raised concerns about a potential "wildcat strike," according to Steven Tufts.
The rejected deal would not have provided Air Canada flight attendants with wages above the federal minimum wage, a point emphasised by CUPE. The union did not secure the same kinds of wage increases as Air Transat flight attendants or Air Canada pilots, according to labour studies professor Larry Savage.
The new contract included a 12% salary raise this year for most junior flight attendants and an 8% bump for more senior members. Despite this, full-time Air Canada flight attendants would still earn less than the federal minimum wage, according to CUPE. A full-time Rouge flight attendant would earn $2,219 monthly, while a full-time mainline flight attendant would earn $2,522.
Negotiations surrounding wages will move on to mediation and, possibly, arbitration. CUPE stated that "This is only the beginning," indicating their determination to secure significant gains for the flight attendants. Workers' expectations were elevated, and they are looking for substantial improvements, according to Larry Savage.
It's important to note that Ottawa ordered the flight attendants into binding arbitration and to return to work. Air Canada remains fully committed to negotiating with CUPE.
The labor disruption in August grounded tens of thousands of passengers worldwide, causing widespread disruption. As the negotiations progress, both parties will aim to reach a resolution that is fair and equitable for all involved.
This article will be updated as more information becomes available regarding the potential for mediation or arbitration in the ongoing labor dispute.
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