As of August 5, 2024, Air Canada flight attendants are set to announce the results of their strike vote, following recent developments in contract negotiations that have left many issues unresolved. The current contract, which was negotiated back in 2015, expired at the end of March 2025. Discussions between Air Canada and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) have been ongoing since the start of the year with the assistance of a federal mediator, but an agreement remains elusive.
Contract Negotiations and Strike Vote Timeline
On July 28, CUPE members began voting on whether to authorize a strike. This voting process concludes today at 2 PM EDT, with results anticipated to be revealed later in the day. Should members approve a strike, the union could potentially call for a work stoppage by August 16. However, several reports indicate that a 72-hour notice would need to be issued prior to any strike action.
An eventual strike by flight attendants would likely disrupt services significantly and pose challenges not just for consumers but also for the airline and its staff. CUPE has emphasized that a strike is considered a last resort, indicating that their primary objective remains to secure a new contract through negotiation.
Key Issues in Negotiations
One of the principal demands from CUPE is the cessation of unpaid work, which the union claims has affected its members’ financial well-being. Since the 2015 contract, flight attendants have reportedly lost considerable purchasing power and are negotiating for improved wages along with an end to the “abuse of unpaid work.” The union highlights that attendants routinely perform mandatory tasks before, during, and after flights without compensation, including safety checks, boarding assistance, and work with passengers with special needs.
Air Canada’s Position on Negotiations
In response to the ongoing discussions, Air Canada stated on July 25 that they “remain fully available to continue negotiations towards a fair and equitable collective agreement that recognizes the contributions of its flight attendants.” However, the negotiations are taking place during a challenging period for the airline, affected by tariffs and reduced cross-border travel demand.
Background Context and Recent Developments
This situation mirrors the recent challenges faced by Air Canada’s pilots, who were close to a strike last year after intense negotiations. A last-minute deal was reached, averting industrial action. Under the previous pilot agreement, a substantial pay hike of 42% was secured over four years. This accord came amid a favorable period for the Canadian airline industry, which has since seen profits dip significantly—Air Canada reported a drop from $410 million in Q1 2024 to just $186 million in Q2 2024 due to external economic pressures.
As it stands, the looming strike vote for Air Canada flight attendants could be a pivotal moment for the airline as they navigate these turbulent financial waters and strive for a viable and equitable solution for their staff and customers alike.
For further updates on Air Canada and the flight attendants’ ongoing negotiations, visit Global News.
