In a significant disruption to air travel, Air Canada has announced the cancellation of around 500 flights by Friday, amid a looming strike by its cabin crew. The anticipated industrial action is set to affect an estimated 100,000 passengers, as the nation’s largest airline grapples with ongoing labor disputes.
Key Facts
- Air Canada plans to halt operations starting Saturday morning due to stalled negotiations with the flight attendants’ union.
- The airline expects to cancel dozens of flights by Thursday’s end, totaling approximately 500 by Friday.
- The strike could severely impact Canada’s tourism sector during peak summer travel time.
- United Airlines, a code-share partner, has issued travel waivers to assist affected customers.
Background
The dispute centers on compensation for flight attendants, focusing on payment for all hours worked, including pre-flight preparations and post-flight duties, traditionally unpaid. Air Canada has proposed compensating these hours at half the regular pay rate, while offering a 38% total pay increase over four years.
Timeline/What We Know
Negotiations have reached a critical impasse, with Air Canada’s Chief Operations Officer, Mark Nasr, highlighting the complexity of the airline’s operations which spans over 250 aircraft and 65 countries. The operational scale necessitates a gradual wind down of services to ensure safety and order. As of Thursday morning, only four flights had been cancelled, but the numbers are expected to surge by Friday.
Official Reactions
The looming strike poses a new challenge for the Liberal government under Prime Minister Mark Carney, with calls for governmental intervention in the dispute. Canadian Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu has urged both parties to resume negotiations and reach an agreement to avoid further disruptions. Meanwhile, a spokesperson from the Canadian Union of Public Employees accused Air Canada of avoiding meaningful negotiations, hoping for a government bailout.
What’s Next
As the deadline approaches, the potential for a significant impact on international and domestic travel looms large. Air Canada remains open to negotiations, emphasizing the need for substantive talks to resolve the dispute. The next few days will be crucial in determining whether a strike can be averted and what measures will be necessary to minimize disruption for travelers worldwide.