Unifor opened collective bargaining with Air Canada today on behalf of nearly 6,000 customer service agents who work at airports, call centres and in customer relations across the country.
The negotiations cover Unifor Local 2002 members who perform essential customer service and operational support, assisting passengers with ticketing, reservations, travel changes and Aeroplan reward travel. During flight delays and cancellations, they manage rebooking, connections, accommodations and compensation.
The current collective agreement expires Feb. 28, 2026.
Union priorities focus on staffing and working conditions
Lana Payne, Unifor national president, said the workers manage delays, disruptions and customer care under immense pressure, yet too often without adequate staffing and protections.
“This bargaining round is about respect, safety, and fairness for the workers who keep Canada flying,” said Payne.
Tammy Moore, president of Unifor Local 2002, said members deserve improved wages, predictable schedules and working conditions that allow them to do their jobs properly.
“They deserve improved wages, predictable schedules, and working conditions that allow them to do their jobs properly,” said Moore. “Air Canada must recognize that strong customer service starts with respecting the workers who deliver it.”
Charter calls for aviation sector improvements
Unifor has called for systemic improvements in Canada’s aviation sector through its Air Transportation Workers’ Charter of Rights. The charter urges governments, airlines and airport authorities to address chronic understaffing, contracting out, unsafe workloads and inadequate training across the industry.
The union represents 320,000 workers in the private sector across Canada.
