Air Canada is cancelling flights from tomorrow (Thursday) and preparing for a temporary shutdown of the airline after failing to reach an agreement with cabin crew.
The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents Air Canada’s 10,000 cabin crew, posted on social media this morning to say it has given the airline a 72-hour notice to strike from Saturday (16 August).
In response, Air Canada issued a notice of lockout, which is issued when an employer refuses to let workers return to work during a dispute.
The airline said on Wednesday that it will begin a phased ‘wind down of most of its operations’ over the next three days.
The first flights will be cancelled tomorrow (14 August), with more on Friday (15 August), and there will be a complete shutdown of flying by Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge on Saturday.
CUPE said: “At 00:58h EST today, we officially served notice to strike. This decision was not made lightly, but it is necessary. We are ready, We are strong and we will not back down! Now, we need every member to take action: Contact your Member of Parliament today. Tell them to respect our right to strike and to support our fight for fair compensation for all the work we do.”
In a statement, the airline said: “Air Canada has been forced into this decision to lock out its Flight Attendants and regrets the impact the suspension of operations will have on customers as a result of the union’s issuance of a strike notice during such a heavy travel period.”
Customers affected by any flight cancellations will be informed and offered a full refund.
Passengers booked to travel between 15-18 August can change their flight for free for another date between 21 August and 12 September.
The airline has also made arrangements with other Canadian and foreign carriers to provide customers with alternative travel options where possible.
Air Canada and the union have been in negotiations for nine months regarding issues including wages and unpaid hours.
