Air Canada grounded as striking cabin crews defy back-to-work order
Major airline disruption continues amid flight attendants’ strike
- Air Canada's fleet remains grounded after striking flight attendants, represented by CUPE, defied a government-backed order to return to work.
- The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) rejected the Canada Industrial Relations Board's directive for binding arbitration, calling the order unconstitutional.
- Flight attendants are demanding improved wages and compensation for ground duties, such as passenger boarding, as their current pay structure only compensates them when aircraft are in motion.
- Air Canada has delayed plans to restart operations, describing the union's defiance of the labour board as illegal.
- The Canadian government's options to end the strike include seeking court enforcement of the order or attempting to pass legislation, though the latter is complicated by parliamentary break and legal precedents regarding the right to strike.