Air Canada’s 10,000 flight attendants have rejected a tentative contract agreement, sending the wage dispute to mediation while ensuring flights continue without disruption, the airline said on Saturday.
The Canadian Union of Public Employees announced that members voted down the tentative deal reached Aug. 19, according to Air Canada. The agreement included wage improvements, enhanced pensions and benefits, and updated compensation for ground work, the airline said.
No strike or lockout possible
Air Canada and CUPE agreed in advance that if workers rejected the contract, wage issues would go to mediation and potentially arbitration, according to the airline. The parties also agreed that no labour disruption could occur, preventing strikes or lockouts.
“Air Canada and CUPE contemplated this potential outcome and mutually agreed that if the tentative agreement was not ratified, the wage portion would be referred to mediation,” the airline said in a statement.
Flights will continue operating normally while the mediation process unfolds, Air Canada said.
Airline committed to process
The company said it remains “fully committed to the mediation and arbitration process” following the union vote.
Air Canada thanked customers for their patience during the negotiations and praised employees for their dedication throughout the process, according to the statement.
The tentative agreement was reached without union concessions and included a “mutually agreed-to modernization of compensation for work performed on the ground,” the airline said.
Challenging negotiations
Air Canada described the negotiations as “challenging for all Air Canada stakeholders” but did not provide details about specific issues that led to the contract rejection.
The airline operates scheduled service to more than 180 airports across Canada, the United States and internationally, according to the company.
