An arbitrator has finalized the wage rates for flight attendants at Air Canada, resolving a labor dispute that caused travel disruptions last summer. The rates agreed upon in a tentative deal for Air Canada’s main line flight attendants were maintained, while an increase in the first year was granted for Rouge flight attendants.
The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Air Canada component’s bargaining committee expressed disappointment with the outcome. Last August, more than 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants went on strike, impacting numerous travelers. The strike prompted Ottawa to intervene under Section 107 of the Canada Labour Code, leading to binding arbitration between the airline and the union.
Despite initial defiance by union officials, negotiations resumed, culminating in a tentative agreement that covered various aspects such as pensions, health benefits, and vacation rules. However, in September, Air Canada flight attendants voted overwhelmingly to reject the wage offer in the agreement.
As per the agreement, a 12% salary increase for junior flight attendants and an 8% increase for senior members in the first year were included. Rouge flight attendants would receive a 13% increase in the first year. The contract also outlined incremental salary increases over the subsequent years for both Air Canada and Rouge flight attendants.
Furthermore, the agreement addressed the issue of unpaid work during ground time, specifying compensation rates that would increase gradually over the contract period. The federal government recently released initial findings from a probe into allegations of unpaid work by Air Canada flight attendants, indicating compliance with federal minimum wage standards but also highlighting concerns about compensation practices for certain employee categories.
