Air Canada Flight Attendants Reach Tentative Agreement After ‘Historic Fight’

International

Air Canada and its flight attendants have reached a mediated tentative agreement, paving the way for flights to gradually resume after a three-day shutdown.

The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents more than 9,500 flight attendants at Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge, hailed the agreement as a turning point for the industry.

“Flight attendants at Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge have reached a tentative agreement, achieving transformational change for our industry after a historic fight to affirm our Charter rights,” CUPE said in a statement. “Unpaid work is over. We have reclaimed our voice and our power.”

Air Canada confirmed the settlement was reached through mediation led by William Kaplan. “The suspension of our service is extremely difficult for our customers. We deeply regret and apologize for the impact of this labour disruption,” said Michael Rousseau, President and CEO of Air Canada. “Restarting a major carrier is a complex undertaking, and full restoration may require a week or more. We ask for patience as we work to return customers to the skies as quickly as possible.”

The airline added that affected travelers will be offered refunds, credits, or rebooking on other carriers. No strike or lockout can occur while the tentative deal awaits ratification.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed the development: “I am relieved that Air Canada and the Canadian Union of Public Employees have reached a tentative agreement. It is my hope this will ensure flight attendants are compensated fairly at all times, while ending disruption for hundreds of thousands of Canadian families, workers, and visitors.”

On Sunday, the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) extended the terms of the collective agreement, originally set to expire March 31, until a new contract is finalized.