The union representing Air Canada’s 10,000 flight attendants served its 72-hour strike notice for their members to walk off the job as of Saturday, Aug. 16, amid contract negotiations with the airline.
This means that all Air Canada flights could be cancelled as of this Saturday, which would force thousands of travellers to take alternative flights to their destinations.
“I’m a little bit stressed out, but I understand the employees from Air Canada to want to strike,” said Laura Benoit, a St-Liboire resident.
In preparation, Air Canada has already started to cancel certain flights on Thursday and Friday leading up to the strike, saying that it gives them time to advise customers in advance, reduce the chances of customers being stranded, and provide the opportunity to make alternative travel arrangements.
The airline also issued a lockout notice starting on Saturday as well.
“I’m flying back next Tuesday, so it’ll be the 19th, and I think it might be cancelled. So yeah, I’m a little bit stressed out by this,” said Benoit.
Hélène, a St-Hippolyte resident, added, “More or less worried because if there is a strike, I imagine they will transport us on another plane, for example, Porter.”
Gábor Lukács, the president of Air Passenger Rights, says that passengers should be informed of their rights and not settle for a refund if their flight is cancelled, but instead insist on their right to alternate transportation.
“There’s no such thing as a forced refund. Air Canada has to live up to its legal obligation to provide alternate transportation because it is the law. Don’t take for face value what the airline says. They have a lot of financial interest here to mislead you as a passenger,” said Lukács.
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“It’s a little concerning, but I kind of agree with the employees. They really deserve to get paid before the flight and after the flight, and I think Air Canada has to kind of step up,” said Greg Kostiuk, a Lethbridge, Alberta resident.
Sean Crawford, a Toronto resident, added, “I think it’s just a difficult situation for Air Canada and the union. I don’t think there’s a good solution really, anywhere for both parties. It’s going to be tough to find.”
The flight attendants voted 99.7 per cent in favour of a strike mandate, and their union, CUPE, has referred to “poverty wages” and unpaid labour as issues to address during contract negotiations.
“I think it’s going to be a mess. It’s very inconvenient for all travelers, so I hope they come to a resolution before they go on strike,” said Stephanie Berrigan, an Alberta resident.
Benoit added, “Yes, it impacts me, but it also impacts a lot of employees, so I don’t have to only think about myself, but also their life and their pay rights.”
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