Air Canada Flight Attendants Face Pressure to Strike Over Unfair Wages and Working Conditions
In recent discussions with Air Canada, the Canadian Union of Postal Employees (CUPE) has expressed concerns over unfair treatment of flight attendants, particularly regarding unpaid work and stagnant wages. CUPE president Lesosky highlighted that members are undervalued, working essential duties yet earning less than minimum wage after accounting for all required tasks.
The union emphasized the exclusion of flight attendants from fair pay standards compared to other workers, a point echoed in the U.S., where airlines have started compensating pre-flight and post-flight duties. To address this issue, CUPE is advocating for Bill C-415, a proposed federal law aiming to standardize pay practices nationwide.
As negotiations between CUPE and Air Canada began on December 11th, Lesosky stressed the importance of reaching an agreement that avoids disruption while ensuring fair compensation. The situation highlights broader industry challenges, with potential consequences including increased strikes or disruptions if negotiations fail.
For further reading, explore related articles on Postmedia’s homepage for insights into labor issues and economic developments affecting Canada’s workforce.
