Air Canada Flight Attendants Vote to Authorize Strike

Air Canada flight attendants have begun voting on whether to give their union a strike mandate. The process will last until August 5.

Negotiations between the airline and CUPE, the union representing more than 10,000 workers, have been ongoing since the beginning of the year and ended without an agreement. The main disagreements are over pay, unpaid hours and pensions.

The union says it is seeking “a contract worthy of an industry leader” and emphasizes that there is strength in collective action.

Air Canada has responded by saying that the vote is a normal part of the negotiations and does not mean an immediate strike. By law, a strike can only be carried out 21 days after the end of a 60-day conciliation period. The company says it is open to continued dialogue and is committed to a fair agreement.

Last October, Air Canada pilots avoided a strike by signing a deal to raise wages by 42% over four years. The flight attendants' union is hoping for a similar outcome.