An arbitrator has settled the wage rates for flight attendants at Air Canada, bringing an end to the labor dispute that disrupted travel for many last summer. The rates agreed to in a tentative deal for flight attendants at Air Canada’s main line were upheld, with an increased raise in the first year for those at Rouge.
The Air Canada component of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) expressed disappointment with the final decision, stating it was not the outcome they had hoped for. Last August, more than 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants went on strike, affecting numerous travelers.
Following the strike, Ottawa intervened swiftly, utilizing Section 107 of the Canada Labour Code to enforce binding arbitration between the airline and the union. Despite an initial order for flight attendants to return to work being defied by union officials, negotiations resumed shortly after, leading to a tentative agreement being reached.
The terms of the agreement, covering aspects such as pensions, health benefits, rest periods, and vacation rules, were largely finalized and agreed upon by both parties. However, in September, Air Canada’s flight attendants voted overwhelmingly to reject the wage offer included in the agreement.
As per the agreement, the wage portion was then sent to mediation and subsequently to arbitration after the rejection by the members. The contract now entails a 12% salary increase for junior Air Canada flight attendants and an 8% raise for senior members in the first year. Rouge flight attendants will see a 13% increase in the first year, one percentage point higher than the original agreement.
The contract also stipulates further raises in the subsequent years for both Air Canada and Rouge flight attendants. Additionally, the issue of unpaid work during ground time has been addressed in the agreement, with flight attendants set to receive a percentage of their hourly wage rate during these periods.
The federal government recently released initial findings from a probe into allegations of unpaid work by Air Canada’s flight attendants, stating that compensation practices in the airline sector met the federal minimum wage requirements. However, concerns were raised regarding compensation practices for certain categories of flight attendants, prompting a closer examination.
In conclusion, the finalized wage rates and contract terms aim to resolve the labor dispute that affected Air Canada flight attendants and travelers, ensuring fair compensation and working conditions for all parties involved.