The Air Canada Component of CUPE, representing over 10,000 flight attendants at Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge, is currently engaged in a challenging round of bargaining with the airline, particularly around the issue of unpaid work. After the employer refused to recognize that flight attendants should be paid for all their time on the job, the Air Canada Component of CUPE issued 72-hour strike notice on August 13. Shortly afterward, the employer responded with a lockout notice on the same date.
Therefore, unless a resolution is found, as of Friday, August 15 at 9:58 PM PT all airports where Air Canada operates in Canada will become struck workplaces.
PSAC National President Sharon DeSousa released the following statement after the strike notice was issued:
“PSAC stands in solidarity with Air Canada flight attendants. As of Saturday, August 16 at 12:58 AM Eastern [Friday, August 15 at 9:58 PM Pacific], all airports where Air Canada is operating in the country will be considered struck locations. Travel through these airports will be regarded as crossing a picket line. PSAC leaders, members and staff are asked to make alternative travel arrangements until the situation is resolved. This applies to all flight itineraries involving departure from, transfer through, or arrival at these airports.”
What does this mean for PSAC members who work at locations where Air Canada operates?
Should Air Canada Component (CUPE) pickets go up, PSAC members are not in a legal strike position and must continue to report for duty. As noted by PSAC National President Sharon DeSousa, “PSAC members who are contractually required to report to work at struck airports should demand safe passage.”
For PSAC members who work at airports or buildings alongside Air Canada Component CUPE members, we encouraged you to consider the following if you encounter a picket line:
- Respect the picket line.
- Identify yourself to the picket captain. If possible, have some form or PSAC identification with you to show the picket captain. You do NOT need your membership card. ID can be anything from showing a PSAC email you’ve received, or a button, etc.
- Should the picket line not let you cross or you fear for your safety, please contact your manager or supervisor to request an escort into the worksite. When requested, an escort must be provided. Do not attempt to cross a picket line you believe would put your personal safety at risk.
- PSAC members are encouraged to support Air Canada Component CUPE members in their efforts for a fair collective agreement by participating on picket lines (on breaks or before/after shifts), by sending messages of support, and by visiting CUPE’s campaign website.
We will continue to provide updates as the situation evolves. In the meantime, for more information on the campaign against unpaid flight attendant work, please visit www.unfaircanada.com.