CHICAGO (CBS) – Air Canada is proactively cancelling flights starting Thursday, August 15, in anticipation of a potential strike by its flight attendants, potentially disrupting travel plans for thousands this weekend.
The airline announced Wednesday that cancellations will begin Thursday, escalate on Friday, and culminate in a complete cessation of Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flights by the weekend.
The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), representing approximately 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants, issued a 72-hour strike notice on wednesday. Without a negotiated agreement or government intervention, the strike is scheduled to begin Saturday, August 16.
In response to the strike notice, air Canada issued a lockout notice.
Affected passengers will be notified of cancellations and are eligible for a full refund, according to the airline. air Canada stated it is working to secure choice travel arrangements with other Canadian and international carriers where feasible.
“We regret the impact a disruption will have on our customers, our stakeholders and the communities we serve,” Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau said in a statement.
Negotiations reached an impasse on Tuesday, with both sides reporting meaningful disagreements. CUPE has highlighted concerns over what they describe as inadequate wages and unpaid work during periods when aircraft are not in service. Air Canada maintains it has offered a 38% increase in total pay over four years, alongside additional benefits.
“Despite our best efforts, Air Canada refused to address our core issues,” the union said in a bargaining update posted online.
CUPE rejected a proposal for binding arbitration, preferring to negotiate a contract that can be put to a membership vote. The union is seeking improvements to wages, benefits, and work-life balance for its members, who have been working under an expired contract as December 2022.
