Airline's arbitration offer overruled by Air Canada flight attendants' union
Air Canada Flight Attendants Union Rejects Binding Arbitration Proposal
The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents approximately 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants, has declined a proposal from the airline to enter a binding arbitration process. The union's main reason for this decision is a rejection of externally imposed resolution and a commitment to negotiate directly for a fair contract.
Last week, flight attendants voted 99.7% in favor of giving their union a strike mandate, reflecting their determination to secure a contract that addresses key issues. The union's main sticking points revolve around flight attendants' "poverty wages" and unpaid labor when planes aren't in the air.
CUPE has put forward a proposal seeking cost of living enhancements each year, with a catch-up "to where we should be at for 2025." However, Air Canada's offer of a 38% total compensation increase over four years was viewed by the union as insufficient.
Air Canada proposed going to arbitration to secure a new contract, a move that would suspend the union's right to strike and Air Canada's right to lock out union members. The union, however, sees this proposal as a "proposal to preserve an exploitative system and strip away [members'] voice."
CUPE president Wesley Lesosky, in a letter, said the union remains committed to using all available tools within the bargaining process to reach a negotiated settlement that meets the needs of its members. The union stated that arbitrators "rely on precedent and the status quo to make their determinations" which runs counter to its objectives in bargaining talks.
If a strike does occur, the earliest possible time is Saturday at 12:01 a.m. ET. CUPE must provide 72-hours notice if it plans to strike, meaning it could declare its plans for a work stoppage any time starting Wednesday at 12:01 a.m. ET.
The union is trying to break the status quo by ending the historic abuse of unpaid work in the industry. They are seeking 100% pay for all hours worked, noting Air Canada has so far proposed "to only recognize a portion of your vital safety contributions and only at 50%."
In the past, Air Canada and CUPE have successfully used arbitration in previous negotiations. However, the union believes that this time, a direct negotiation is necessary to secure a fair contract. The union invites Air Canada to return to the bargaining table for a fair deal rather than relying on government intervention.
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